Why does the messaging system block phone numbers and Venmo?

Our messaging system flags phone numbers, email addresses, and payment-app names (Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, etc.) and blocks them with a warning. This isn't us being controlling — it's the only way the buyer/seller protection layer works.

If a transaction happens off-platform: - There's no Stripe authorization to refund or void - There's no rental record to dispute - We can't review evidence we don't have - You don't get reviews - You don't get our identity-verification guarantee

If the other party insists on going off-platform, that's a major red flag — please report them. It's almost always a scam pattern.

Phone numbers do get exchanged later in the process — we share them once the rental is approved so you can coordinate the actual handoff. Until then, keep all messages on the platform.