Your story, told anonymously. No names. No tags. Here's exactly how it works.
What This Covers
These terms apply to any story you send to Check Her First for our Ghost Stories series or any other anonymous story feature, whether by direct message on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, or by email to [email protected]. They sit alongside our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Before You Send
Please leave out real names, usernames or handles, photos, screenshots that show names or faces, mugshots, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and anything else that could identify you or anyone else. That includes children. If something identifying slips through, we strip it before anything is posted.
What You're Agreeing To
By sending a story, you confirm that it's your own experience, that it's true to the best of your knowledge, and that you have the right to share it. You give Check Her First a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide permission to edit, adapt and publish it anonymously on our social accounts, website and newsletter, including in video form with text, voiceover or AI-generated visuals. Submissions are unpaid.
Nothing Posts Without Your Yes
Sending a story doesn't mean it goes up. Before we publish anything, we'll ask you directly in the same conversation whether we can post it. Only a clear YES from you moves it forward. If you were just venting, that's okay too, and nothing gets posted.
How We Edit
We may shorten your story, tighten the wording, and change details like names, places, apps, timelines and numbers so it can't be traced back to you or anyone else. We may also choose not to post a story, for any reason.
Your Anonymity
We will never publish your name or handle, never tag you or anyone in your story, and never share who you are with anyone unless the law requires it. To be honest about the limits: someone who already knows your story may still recognize it. Changing details makes that much less likely, but we can't promise it will never happen.
Getting a Story Removed
Changed your mind before it's posted? Tell us anytime and it won't go up. Already live? Message us or email [email protected] and we'll take it down from our accounts and site. We can't control copies other people have reshared or screenshotted.
Stories Are Personal Experiences
Published stories describe the submitter's own experience and opinions. Check Her First doesn't independently verify them, and they aren't statements of fact by Check Her First about any real person.
What We Won't Post
Anything that names or could identify a specific person, anything that identifies a child, threats or calls to harass anyone, and anything we believe could put you or someone else at risk.
Not Legal Advice. Not a Crisis Line.
Check Her First isn't a law firm, and nothing here is legal advice. Laws vary by state. We also can't respond in an emergency. If you're in danger, call 911. National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988. More help is on our Crisis page.