Frequently asked questions about:

• Are my personal details secure?
• How do people contact me if they don't have my address?
• How can I protect my identity?
• Why do you ask for ID?
• What sort of ID should I provide?
• Do you pass any of my details to third parties?

THE PRIVACY AND SECURITY OF OUR SERVICE

Are my personal details secure?

Yes, your personal details, such as your address, are completely secure with friendsfirst. They are never given out to other members even if you decide to do so yourself. If you have requested in your profile to keep your telephone numbers and email address private, these also will not be disclosed.

How do people contact me if they don't have my address?

Each friendsfirstmember is given a 'box number' and other members use this to send letters to members through the friendsfirst office. We match up your address with the box number and forward the letters on. In this way members can contact each other without having to disclosed their addresses. This makes contact with other members very safe and secure.

How can I protect my identity?

For some people who are working in high profile or particularly public jobs, protecting their identity is important. Although their full identity will be known to us, it is possible to use a nickname in the profiles so that the identity becomes less obvious. In addition to this the town where a person lives may be listed as a wider area e.g. West Midlands rather than Birmingham.

Why do you ask for ID?

We ask for a form of identification so that we can verify to ourselves and others that you are who you say you are. This is very important for members security and safety.

What sort of ID should I provide?

Identification should be something that has your name and address on it, that corresponds to the name and address you have used in your application form to join friendsfirst. The following are accepted by friendsfirst:-

• A copy of a utility bill – e.g. gas, electric or telephone bill
• A copy of your driving licence
• A copy of your passport.

Do you pass any of my details to third parties?

friendsfirstis registered with the Office of the Data Protections Registrar. This organisation monitors how we use the information we hold on computer. Your details are for friendsfirst use only and will not be given or sold to any other organisation without your permission.