When you hand your house keys, banking details, or personal shopping lists to an errand runner, you're granting access to your private life. Privacy and confidentiality aren't afterthoughts—they're the foundation of a trustworthy errand service. Understanding what protections to expect and how to vet providers upfront keeps your information safe.
Why Privacy Matters in Errand Running
Errand runners access sensitive information daily: your address, payment methods, health prescriptions, family routines, home security details, and sometimes passwords or account numbers. A breach—intentional or accidental—can expose you to identity theft, burglary, or unwanted marketing. Unlike larger service platforms with legal departments, independent errand runners operate on reputation and personal integrity alone. That makes your vetting process critical.
What Trustworthy Errand Runners Should Do
Background checks and credentials Reputable errand runners undergo background screening before you hire them. Ask any provider directly whether they've had a criminal background check performed and by whom. Some use third-party services; others rely on local police checks. A provider who resists this conversation or claims it's "unnecessary" is a red flag. Expect this to be standard—not a premium add-on.
Non-disclosure agreements or privacy policies Professional errand services often have written policies stating how they handle your data. Ask whether they have a confidentiality clause or written agreement. Even informal providers should be able to explain (in writing) how they'll keep your information private and what happens to notes, photos, or records they create while running errands.
Secure communication and payment handling Your errand runner shouldn't text you financial account numbers or take screenshots of sensitive information. They should use password managers, encrypted messaging, or phone calls for sensitive details. For payment, verify they accept contactless, app-based, or third-party payment methods rather than asking for cash or direct bank access. If they need your debit card, watch the transaction or use a limited-access card.
Limited information sharing A good errand runner tells no one about your home, schedule, family members, medical needs, or purchases. This includes their spouse, friends, or social media. Ask how they store notes about your preferences and routines. The answer should be "in a private notebook or secure app," not "I just remember."
Red Flags to Avoid
- No verifiable history or references. A provider with zero reviews or refusal to provide references is risky. Use platforms like Mercoly to compare trusted errand running services with verified customer feedback in one place.
- Pressure to skip background checks or agreements. Legitimate providers welcome scrutiny.
- Requests for sensitive access upfront. They shouldn't ask for your Amazon password, social security number, or home alarm code before a trial errand.
- Vague answers about data handling. If they say "don't worry, I'm trustworthy," that's not a policy.
- Cash-only payment or reluctance to use tracking apps. This limits accountability.
Steps to Protect Yourself
- Start small. Give your first errand runner a simple task (grocery pickup, bill payment drop-off) with no sensitive access. Watch how they handle it.
- Use a separate email and phone number. Some customers create a dedicated contact info for errand runners, limiting cross-contamination if one provider's phone is compromised.
- Change passwords after access. If a provider needs your email password to retrieve documents, change it immediately after the errand.
- Document agreements. Send a text or email summarizing confidentiality expectations: "Please keep my home address, schedule, and family information private." This creates a paper trail.
- Review financial statements monthly. Catch unauthorized charges early.
- Request a privacy statement. Ask the provider to write out their confidentiality practices. Their willingness to do so signals professionalism.
What's Reasonable to Expect
Most reputable errand runners will:
- Provide references (2–3 previous clients willing to vouch for them)
- Complete a background check within 5–10 business days
- Sign a simple confidentiality agreement
- Accept digital payment methods
- Keep detailed but private records of your preferences
You shouldn't have to pay extra for these basics—they're standard due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I ask an errand runner to sign a contract before we start? Yes, absolutely. Even a one-page agreement stating confidentiality, payment terms, and liability is reasonable and protects both of you.
Q: What should I do if I discover an errand runner shared my information? Stop contact immediately, document the breach, and monitor financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity. Report identity theft to the FTC if warranted.
Q: How do I know if an errand runner has actually had a background check? Ask for proof or a reference to the checking service. Legitimate providers can show documentation or give permission to verify through a platform—some third-party vetting is always available.
Find an errand runner who respects your privacy as much as you do.