Safety & Meetup Guide

How to safely exchange packages with your neighbors

Once a match is confirmed and you've connected with your neighbor through chat, follow these steps to complete the exchange safely and confidently.

Step 1 — Verify Details in Chat First

Before agreeing to meet, confirm the package details through the in-app chat. Never share personal contact info or move the conversation off-platform.

✅ Good things to confirm in chat:

  • Carrier and approximate delivery date
  • Label details — recipient first name and street name
  • Size/color of the box or package
  • A public meetup spot you both agree on

🚫 Never share in chat:

  • Your full home address or apartment number
  • Phone number, email, or social media handles
  • Financial details of any kind

Step 2 — Choose How to Exchange

You decide how you want to exchange the package — Parcel Rescue does not arrange or suggest meeting locations. Common options include a porch drop-off or a public in-person exchange.

📬 Option A — Porch Drop-Off (Safest)

Coordinate a time for the finder to leave the package on your front porch (or vice versa) without any direct in-person contact. This is the lowest-risk option and works well for many neighbors.

If you prefer an in-person exchange, always meet in a public, well-lit location — never at either person's home.

🏪Grocery store entrance
⛽Gas station or pharmacy
🚔Police station lobby
☕Coffee shop or café
🏦Bank or ATM vestibule
🅿️Busy public parking lot

💡 Tip: Many police departments have designated "Safe Exchange Zones" in their parking lots with cameras — search for one near you.

Step 3 — Pick the Right Time

  • Meet during daylight hours whenever possible
  • Choose busy times of day when other people are around
  • Avoid early morning or late-night exchanges
  • If you must meet at dusk or later, pick a brightly lit location with foot traffic

Step 4 — At the Exchange

Keep the exchange brief and professional. You're here for the package — nothing more.

  • Bring a friend or family member with you if possible
  • Stay in your car until the other person arrives; leave if anything feels off
  • Verify the package label matches what was described in chat
  • Don't feel pressured to hand over or accept anything you're unsure about
  • Keep the interaction short — exchange and leave

🚨 Red flags — cancel immediately if:

  • The other person asks to meet at a private residence
  • They want to exchange something other than the package
  • They ask for money, payment, or a "finder's fee"
  • The description of the package doesn't match what you see
  • Something just feels wrong — trust your gut

Step 5 — After the Exchange

  • Mark the match as "Recovered" in the app to close the loop
  • Earn your Parcel Pal or Neighborhood Hero trust badge
  • Leave the match status updated so your report slot is freed up
  • Report any suspicious behavior through the in-app report tool
  • Share your success story on our social media or email support@parcelrescue.com — we'd love to feature your exchange in our newsletter! 🎉

If You Feel Unsafe

  • →Call 911 immediately if you feel threatened or witness a crime
  • →Leave the scene — no package is worth your safety
  • →Report the user through the app so our team can review and take action
  • →Contact us at support@parcelrescue.com with any safety concerns

Parcel Rescue is a community platform. We don't supervise in-person meetings — your safety is your responsibility. These guidelines exist to help you make smart, safe choices. Read our full disclaimer →