Our Commitment to Safety
NestMatcher facilitates introductions between verified users. All interactions between users after contact details are exchanged, including phone calls, emails, text messages, video calls, and in-person meetings, occur entirely outside NestMatcher's platform and entirely at the users' own voluntary consent and discretion.
This Safety Policy explains what NestMatcher does to promote user safety, what identity verification means and does not mean, and the steps we strongly recommend you take to protect yourself when interacting with any match.
What NestMatcher Does to Promote Safety
Identity Verification
Before either party can access the other's contact details following a match, both parties must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity. This process requires each user to submit a valid government-issued photo identification document and may involve biometric confirmation. Verification is mandatory. No contact details are shared until both parties have completed it.
What Verification Confirms
Identity verification confirms that a user has presented a valid government-issued identification document at the time of verification. It confirms that the person using the account matches the ID presented. It supports accountability that anonymous platforms do not have. Verification supports accountability but does not guarantee identity, conduct, or safety.
What Verification Does Not Confirm
Identity verification does not confirm the accuracy of any listing or buying criteria submitted by a user. It does not guarantee a user's honesty, good intentions, or future conduct. It does not constitute a background check, criminal record check, sex offender registry check, or credit check. A verified user is a user whose identity has been confirmed. Nothing more and nothing less.
NestMatcher's Honest Position
We verify identity because accountability matters and because it meaningfully raises the barrier to fraudulent or harmful behavior. But we will not overstate what verification guarantees. Users must take personal responsibility for their own safety in all interactions with matches. NestMatcher's role ends when contact details are exchanged.
Practical Safety Recommendations
The following recommendations are provided as a courtesy to help you stay safe. They do not create any legal obligation or duty of care on the part of NestMatcher. You are not required to follow them but we strongly encourage you to do so.
Before Any In-Person Meeting
Conduct a phone or video call first before agreeing to meet anyone in person. A phone or video call before any in-person meeting is the single most important safety step you can take. It serves three purposes: it confirms the person is real and not a fabricated identity, it gives you a sense of whether the conversation feels genuine, and it creates a record of prior contact. Keep a record of the phone number or video platform used. If someone refuses to speak by phone or video before meeting in person, do not meet them.
Research the property independently before visiting. Look it up on public records, Google Maps, or county property records. Confirm the address exists, that the listed details are consistent with public information, and that the person you are talking to appears to be associated with the property. In New York, property ownership records are available through the county clerk's office or the NYC ACRIS database for New York City properties. In New Jersey, use the NJ Tax Records Search or county clerk portal. In Florida, use the county property appraiser's website. Confirm the seller's name matches the owner of record on public property records. If the names do not match, ask for an explanation before proceeding.
Tell someone you trust exactly where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to be back. Share the other party's contact information with a trusted friend or family member before you go.
At Any In-Person Showing or Meeting
Always bring a trusted person with you. Never visit a property alone for a first showing. Bring a friend, family member, or other trusted individual.
Always meet in daylight. Schedule showings during daylight hours. Avoid early morning, late evening, or nighttime showings with someone you have not met before.
Meet in a shared or observable space first if possible. For an initial meeting consider meeting the other party briefly in a public place, such as a nearby coffee shop or parking lot, before entering the property.
Do not share sensitive personal information. Do not share your social security number, bank account information, mortgage details, or other sensitive financial information with any match before a deal has been formally documented and reviewed by a licensed attorney.
Safety for Sellers When Hosting a Showing
Sellers face their own safety considerations when hosting a buyer at their property. Before scheduling any showing: conduct a phone or video call with the buyer first to confirm they are genuine and serious. Ask basic qualifying questions, their timeline, financing situation, and what they are looking for. A legitimate buyer will have clear answers.
When hosting a showing: do not be alone in your home with a buyer you have never met. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to be present. If possible, remove or secure valuables, personal documents, and financial papers before any showing. Do not allow access to your home to anyone who did not go through NestMatcher's identity verification process. You have every right to verify that the person at your door matches the name you were provided.
Wire Fraud Warning, Please Read Carefully
Real estate wire fraud is one of the most common financial crimes in the United States. Never transfer any money directly to a buyer or seller outside of a formal closing process managed by a licensed title company or real estate attorney.
Always verify wire transfer instructions by calling a verified phone number before sending any funds. Do not rely on email instructions alone, as email accounts can be compromised. If you receive unexpected wire instructions or a last-minute change to payment details, treat it as a red flag and verify immediately.
Trust your instincts. If at any point a situation feels wrong, for example the person is pressuring you, the story doesn't add up, or something feels off, leave immediately and do not proceed. No transaction is worth your safety.
Common Scams Targeting FSBO Sellers
Be aware of the following scam patterns that specifically target sellers listing without an agent:
The overpayment scam: A buyer sends a check for more than the asking price and asks you to wire back the difference. The check bounces after you have already wired funds. Never accept overpayment and never wire money to a buyer under any circumstances.
The fake attorney or title company: A scammer poses as an attorney or title company and sends fake wire instructions. Always verify your attorney's and title company's contact information through independent research, not through email or documents sent by the other party.
The urgent closing pressure: A buyer creates artificial urgency to pressure you into skipping due diligence steps. Legitimate buyers understand that real estate transactions have timelines. Pressure to skip attorney review or close immediately is a significant red flag.
Fair Housing Reminder
All users of NestMatcher are reminded that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. State and local laws in New York, New Jersey, and Florida provide additional protections. These laws apply to all real estate transactions regardless of whether an agent is involved. If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at hud.gov or your state's civil rights division.
NestMatcher's Limitation of Liability for User Interactions
NestMatcher facilitates introductions between verified users. All interactions between users after contact details are exchanged, including phone calls, emails, text messages, video calls, and in-person meetings occur entirely outside NestMatcher's platform and entirely at the users' own voluntary consent and discretion.
NestMatcher bears no responsibility of any kind for any harm, loss, injury, damage, theft, fraud, assault, or any other negative outcome of any kind arising from any interaction between users, whether that interaction occurs online or in person, regardless of how, when, or where it occurs.
By using NestMatcher you acknowledge and accept this limitation in full. For complete terms governing user interactions and NestMatcher's liability limitations please review the NestMatcher Terms of Service.
If Something Goes Wrong
If you are in immediate danger call 911 first. Do not wait.
If you experience threatening, fraudulent, or suspicious behavior from another NestMatcher user:
Document everything immediately. Save all emails, text messages, and records of communication. Do not delete anything.
Contact local law enforcement. File a police report even if you are unsure whether a crime has occurred. A police report creates an official record that may be important later.
Contact NestMatcher at hello@nestmatcher.com. Include the other user's name, the date and nature of the incident, and any documentation you have. NestMatcher will investigate and take appropriate action including immediate account deactivation where warranted. NestMatcher cooperates fully with law enforcement.
If you were a victim of wire fraud, contact your bank immediately. Wire fraud can sometimes be reversed if caught quickly. Then contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and your local FBI field office. Time is critical in wire fraud cases.
Reporting Safety Concerns
If you have a safety concern about another user or about your experience using the platform please contact us immediately at hello@nestmatcher.com. When reporting a safety concern please include: the other user's name or email address if known, the date and nature of the incident, any relevant screenshots or documentation, and your preferred contact method for follow-up. NestMatcher will acknowledge all safety reports within 24 hours and will respond with a substantive update within 72 hours.
For emergencies always contact local law enforcement first, dial 911. Do not wait to contact NestMatcher if you are in immediate danger.
General Disclaimer
The safety recommendations provided on this page are offered as general guidance only. Following these recommendations reduces risk but does not eliminate it. NestMatcher does not guarantee user safety and expressly disclaims all liability for any harm, loss, injury, or damage of any kind arising from interactions between users, whether or not the recommendations on this page were followed. Please review our full Terms of Service for complete liability limitations.
Contact
NestMatcher LLC
hello@nestmatcher.com