Safety · Updated August 2026

Safety Tips

SponsorMyStartup is a listing tool, not a payment processor, and we never hold funds. That keeps things simple, but it also means you are transacting directly with a business or a supporter. A little care goes a long way — here is how to stay safe.

For supporters

• Verify the business. Look for a real name, a coherent story, social links, and details that check out before you give.
• Use payment methods with buyer protection. When you can, pay with a method that offers recourse if something goes wrong, and prefer buying items directly from the retailer.
• Never share extra personal information. A business does not need your passwords, government IDs, or bank login to receive a gift.
• Report anything suspicious. If a page feels off, use the report tool so our team can review it.

For business owners

• Only add payment links you control. Double-check your PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App links before publishing.
• Keep your account secure. Use a strong, unique password and do not share your login.
• Share your phone's last 4 digits carefully. Those digits unlock your shipping address, so give them to people you actually want gifts from.
• Be honest about your needs. Accurate wishlists build trust and get backed.

About the address reveal

The last-4-of-phone check is a light friction gate that keeps addresses out of public view. It is not identity verification and does not confirm who a supporter is. Treat it as a convenience for real supporters, not as proof of anyone's identity.