How we verify
Trust is built on proof
Today every listing is informational, with no badge. This is the process a business must complete to become verified.
The three levels
The business appears in trusted public sources (community directories, official markets, press) but we haven't spoken to them yet. We show basic details and no badge.
The owner claimed the listing and confirmed its details: opening hours, contact, services. We know there's a real person behind it.
We check the business directly: it exists, it trades, and its details are correct. In sensitive categories we also require the relevant official registration.
Sensitive categories: the rule is tougher
In the UK, giving immigration advice without registration is a criminal offence. That's why no immigration adviser or lawyer carries our Verified badge until we've checked their registration with the IAA (Immigration Advice Authority, formerly OISC) or the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority). Where they have it, we show the registration number on their listing so you can check it too.
In health, finance and other regulated services we apply the same principle: if an official register exists, we check it before recommending.
And a promise of transparency
Payment neverreplaces verification: a business cannot buy the badge. When a listing is a paid feature or a link earns us a commission, we label it clearly. If a verified business stops meeting the bar, it loses the badge. And if something doesn't add up, report it — the community is the best verifier.