We designed Messages to make it easier for people to have productive discussions about investing. Whether you’re sending a direct message to a friend or discussing an industry that you’re interested in with a group of fellow enthusiasts, this feature was designed to keep you connected with fellow investors.
Please remember, the Public community is designed to be a friendly, safe, and fun environment for all investors, so community guidelines apply in all direct and group messages.
While the majority of our community here at Public is made up of amazing people, there are a few things we recommend you look out for in order to keep you and your information safe.
Things to watch out for:
Spam comments or DMs that offer investment advice, secret tricks, algorithmic trading bots, or anything that seems too good to be true. Examples would be someone claiming to be an investment coach or promising absurdly high returns.
Profiles that claim to be a part of financial services companies that use a lot of financial jargon such as “seasoned expert in crypto and binary options trading.”
Phishing attempts, including links in DMs or profiles to unknown websites or messages asking you to disclose personal information, such as usernames, passwords, your birthday, phone number, etc.
Fake profile pictures, often posing as attractive women asking for help or soliciting donations.
Profiles that are impersonating well-known influencers, investors, or traders. If someone is truly a well-known person of interest, their profile will have a blue verified checkmark.
Comments asking if you are new to trading and offering unsolicited advice or telling you to contact them via DM.
Anytime someone asks you to contact them outside of Public, oftentimes on Whatsapp or email.
How Can I Stay Safe?
Never disclose any personal information via chat with other members on Public. If you receive a message claiming there are any issues with your account, please reach out to your Member Support team directly via the app’s Chat or via email at support@public.com.
If something feels fishy or too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t answer messages from anyone demanding money, offering gifts or payment, or threatening you in any way.
Don’t click any unknown links in DMs or another member’s profile.
Slow down. One tactic scammers use is to create a sense of urgency where you have to do something or provide this information RIGHT NOW or something bad will happen. Take time to verify suspicious claims and trust your instincts when something seems off.
Each of us is an important part of the Public community. If you see something that you think violates our guidelines, makes you uncomfortable, or seems suspicious we ask that you report it.
How to Report Something in the App:
Tap the Share button next to a profile, post, or comment
Select Report 🛈 under More, all the way to the right
How to Report a Chat Message:
Hold down on the message
Select Report
Please know that we take all reports incredibly seriously. We may work with law enforcement, including but not limited to cases in which we believe that there’s a risk of physical harm or a threat to public safety.
If you ever have questions, the team is always here for you, so feel free to give us a shout on the app’s Chat or via email at support@public.com.