Trust & safety

How we keep the PalMate community safe

Every PalMate completes identity verification and background screening through Didit before their first booking. Guardian mode, live GPS, and a panic button protect every visit — for clients and companions alike. This page explains exactly how.

Written by the PalMate team, led by Maria Willingham, Founder & CEO · Last updated August 8, 2026 · Our editorial standards

The vetting pipeline

Are PalMates background checked? Yes — here's the process.

Every PalMate completes identity verification and background screening through Didit before they can accept bookings — government‑ID verification, liveness detection, face match, and AML/watchlist screening. Fail any step, and the platform stays closed.

1

Apply

Companions create a profile in PalMate Connect with their services, story, and rates.

2

Didit verification

Government‑ID check, liveness detection, face match, and background & watchlist screening through Didit.

3

Ongoing standards

Conduct before, during, and after visits is subject to review — accountability doesn't end at onboarding.

4

Gold Badge tier

Extended vetting earns a visible Gold Badge clients can filter for — the highest trust tier on the platform.

Gold Badge — extended vetting, visible on the profile

In the app

Safety features on every visit

Verified profiles

Every user — client and companion — is a real, ID‑verified individual.

Guardian mode

Live GPS tracking with ETA alerts sent to chosen emergency contacts during visits.

Panic button

One tap alerts our team and your emergency contacts — available to both sides of every visit.

Secure messaging

All pre‑visit communication stays in the app — no phone numbers exchanged until you choose.

Real‑time tracking

Family can follow the visit from booking to safe arrival home.

Gold Badge filter

Premium clients can limit search results to extended‑vetting Gold Badge companions.