Safe at home: A guide to booking mobile services safely

At Urban, we follow strict protocols to keep you safe when booking at-home wellness treatments. But we know that whether it’s massage, cleaning, elderly care or other home services, you might be weighing up different options – from trusted platforms to independent providers. That’s why we teamed up with our friends at Elder and Housekeep to put together a guide to staying safe when booking mobile services at home.

In an age where nearly anything can be delivered to your doorstep, we’ve grown accustomed to trusting mobile professionals, enjoying the ultimate convenience as a result. But as these services proliferate, it’s important to distinguish legitimate providers from scammers or bad actors to ensure your safety at home. Booking via a trusted app or website is a great first step, but there are additional precautions to consider.

1. Choose reputable platforms – you'll benefit from:

Better background checks

Booking through a well-established app or website that prioritises user safety is always better than informal arrangements on social media or WhatsApp, where anyone can claim to be someone they’re not. Reputable platforms often conduct thorough checks, such as requiring DBS certificates, valid insurance, photo ID and verified qualifications for their professionals.

If you’re using less formal platforms, like local Facebook pages, look for detailed recommendations from people you trust. But remember, even glowing recommendations don’t always guarantee trustworthiness. 

Ongoing quality control

When it comes to elderly care, Elder recommends asking specific questions about how a platform or provider maintains safety and integrity. Understanding how customer reviews are monitored, how documentation renewals are handled and what safeguarding protocols are in place can help you gauge whether a company truly prioritises high standards.

Professional customer support

Most reputable platforms offer customer support that's separate to your direct relationship with a professional. That can be super valuable when you want to raise an issue without it feeling personal, and to make sure any problems are resolved quickly and professionally.

2. Look for transparency in reviews and profiles

A reliable service provider should offer detailed profiles and genuine customer reviews. Platforms that verify reviews and ratings make sure you’re reading feedback from real customers, not made-up endorsements.

If you’re booking independently, ask for references or testimonials. Avoid providers with vague or overly polished reviews that feel too good to be true – they usually are. 

Watch out when it comes to photos, too, especially for services like mobile beauty. Anyone can open a social media account and post photos that don’t belong to them, or use AI or photoshop to make results look better than reality. Use tools like Google Lens to verify the source of photos if your gut tells you it’s not authentic. 

3. Prioritise secure communication channels

Platforms that allow you to communicate directly with professionals without sharing your personal contact details offer an added layer of security. In-app messaging systems often keep interactions secure and protect your privacy.

If you’re booking outside of a platform, avoid sharing personal information, like your phone number or address, until you’ve confirmed the provider’s credentials and legitimacy.

4. Use secure payment methods

Always opt for secure payment systems provided by reputable platforms, as they often include encryption and fraud protection. It also removes awkward payment conversations from the at-home dynamic – no chance for last-minute negotiations or disagreements over the fee. 

Avoid paying in cash or wiring money, especially upfront. Credit cards and trusted payment apps with buyer protection offer safer alternatives.

If tipping, platforms with in-app tipping options can reduce the need for cash exchanges, adding convenience and security.

Like our friends at Housekeep, at Urban we warn against disintermediating – booking directly with a professional once you’ve found them on an app or platform – as it removes any recourse if something goes wrong. Some rogue operators sign up to platforms to build trust, only to take bookings privately and then deliver a poor service or worse.

5. Watch for red flags

Trust your instincts. If a provider seems hesitant to share their credentials, dodges questions or pressures you to book quickly, it’s best to walk away. Similarly, if their communication feels unprofessional or overly pushy, consider it a warning sign. 

Housekeep also notes that while self-employed individuals on marketplaces can legally send substitutes, those replacements must be equally skilled and vetted. If someone offers to send a substitute, ask about their credentials and whether they have been properly screened.

6. Know what checks are in place

Before booking home services via an app or website, understand the screening processes required by the platform or provider. Well-regarded services often perform criminal background checks, verify qualifications and require proof of insurance. They might also measure individual performance and complaints to keep standards high. If these aren’t mentioned or seem lax, you may want to look elsewhere.

If booking independently, request to see key documents yourself, such as identification, insurance or qualifications. Genuine professionals won’t hesitate to share these.

For larger-scale trade work, Housekeep advises checking Companies House to see if a business has been operating for some time. Some rogue traders quickly set up limited companies to appear legitimate, only to shut them down after a few bad jobs.

7. Inform someone you trust

When booking a service to your home, let a friend or family member know the details. Share the time of the appointment, the name of the provider and any relevant contact details. Screenshots or booking confirmations can also be helpful to keep someone informed.

8. Follow up after the service

Post-service ratings and reviews create accountability and transparency. Leave honest feedback for future customers and report any concerns if something didn’t feel right. Whether you booked via a platform or independently, timely follow-ups with the provider or platform can help resolve issues quickly.

The convenience of mobile services is undeniable, but making sure your safety comes first is essential. By choosing reputable platforms, verifying credentials, and trusting your instincts, you can enjoy the perks of at-home services with confidence.

Whether it’s a cleaning service, childcare, or a wellness treatment, following these tips will help you avoid scams and create a safe, positive experience.

Your safety checklists for booking direct with: