Frequently Asked Questions
Find straightforward answers to every question regarding how DeKarma works, community Karma, safety mechanisms, and privacy.
Yes. DeKarma is 100% free to join. There are no monthly subscription fees, no listing charges, and no platform commission fees taken from neighborly assistance.
When you sign up, you receive introductory starter Karma credits so you can post requests immediately. You can also post zero-Karma volunteer requests or replenish your Karma balance by helping someone nearby.
Yes. If you wish to offer assistance purely for goodwill without accumulating Karma, you can toggle Volunteer Mode when accepting eligible requests.
Karma is DeKarma's non-monetary community contribution score. It recognizes the time and effort neighbours give to each other and enables sustainable reciprocity.
No. Karma is NOT cash, legal tender, or cryptocurrency. It cannot be bought, sold, traded, or converted into money. It exists solely within DeKarma to record mutual aid.
You earn Karma by accepting requests posted by neighbours and completing them with in-person QR or OTP verification.
When you post a request for help (e.g. groceries, tech help, lifting), a small portion of your Karma is held in escrow and released to the helper upon completion.
Profile verification requires verifying your active mobile number via SMS OTP and confirming your email. Task verification happens in person using a dynamic QR code or 4-digit code.
A "Verified" badge means the member has authenticated their phone number, email address, and completed genuine verified tasks in the community.
Other members only see your first name, profile photo (if added), approximate neighbourhood area, community score, and badges. Your phone number, email, and exact address are never shown.
Publicly, only an approximate radius (e.g. within 500m) is visible. Precise navigation is only shared with an accepted helper once they tap "I'm on my way", and ceases immediately once the task is completed.
Yes. When neighbours offer to help with your request, you can inspect their profiles, trust scores, and accept whoever you feel most comfortable with.
If an accepted helper does not show up or cancels, your escrowed Karma is returned immediately to your balance, and the request is reopened to other neighbours.
Because Karma transfers only upon in-person QR/OTP verification, incomplete tasks result in zero Karma deductions.
Cancel the task immediately. If in immediate danger, call emergency services (112 in India). You can report and block the user in the app for immediate moderator intervention.
Tap the report flag on any user profile or task card. Select the violation category and submit your report. Our trust team reviews reports promptly.
Open their profile and select "Block Member". They will never be able to view your requests or interact with you again.
No. DeKarma verifies phone numbers, emails, and community reputation history. DeKarma does not perform criminal background checks. Members should exercise common-sense precautions when meeting neighbours.
Users must be at least 18 years of age to register an independent account. Minors may receive assistance only under direct parental or legal guardian supervision.
Commercial gig work, electrical/roofing repairs, professional nursing, clinical medication changes, picking up alcohol/narcotics, and illegal activities are strictly banned.
No. DeKarma is a neighbourhood mutual-aid network based on reciprocity and community goodwill, not commercial hiring.
No. DeKarma facilitates everyday community tasks and companionship. We do not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, skilled nursing, or emergency ambulance care.
Still have questions?
Reach out to our community support team anytime.