Your Shieldescrow Benefits – Chargeback Protection, Reduced Fees, Flexibility and a Responsive Service:

Chargeback Protection:

Our team shield you from the stress, financial risk and hours of administrative burden linked to combating chargebacks. Shieldescrow assigns a dedicated representative to oversee your entire transaction from start to finish, significantly decreasing the likelihood of chargebacks. In the event they occur, we fight on your behalf, boasting an unprecedented 90% win rate.

Reduced Fees:

Shieldescrow offers reduced escrow fees for high-value transactions, starting at a competitive 1%. Custom fees are available for larger transactions, ensuring you get the best value for your money while safeguarding your financial interests.

Flexible Payment Options:

Flexibility is key, especially when substantial sums are involved. Shieldescrow’s secure HVT service accommodates the preferences of the buyer, seller, or a shared responsibility, ensuring a payment arrangement that aligns with your unique needs.

Responsive Service:

Whether you need clarification, have concerns, or require guidance, Shieldescrow recognises the importance of time in HVT transactions. You will be assigned a dedicated Account Manager who will be on hand to ensure you are never alone during your transaction journey, ready to assist you anytime and anywhere.

Shieldescrow and Checkfirst’s Collaborative Solution

Checkfirst functions as a third-party verification platform that provides an extra layer of trust. Its user-friendly platform enables the collection of accurate and verified data remotely, eliminating the necessity for on-site verifications. For high-value transactions, especially those involving physical products, Checkfirst excels with features such as video and image geo-tagging, along with digital signatures, ensuring accountability throughout the process. With Checkfirst, buyers gain the capability to conduct inspections, verifying the existence and similarity of the product to its online description and their supplier’s identity. This functionality adds an additional layer of protection against potential disputes, further enhancing the overall transaction process facilitated by Shieldescrow.

In the complex realm of high-value transactions, Shieldescrow is committed to your security and success. Shieldescrow’s partnership with Checkfirst allows you to add an additional, optional layer of protection to your transactions, further bolstering defences against distrust, dishonesty, and unaccountability. Shieldescrow and Checkfirst together form a winning combination for your high-value endeavours.

The post Managing the Complexities of High Value Transactions appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Advanced Fraud Detection Techniques

Our team of expert fraud analysts utilise an amalgamation of machine learning fraud detection tools and technologies to swiftly identify fraudulent transactions in real time.

Working closely alongside Shieldescrow’s data science and product teams, our fraud analysts are able to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of our machine learning and artificial intelligence tools.

Embedded within our payment acquiring flows, our fraud analysts have developed a comprehensive set of fraud prevention rules. These encompass additional authentication and automatic payment blocking rules which are continuously reviewed and adapted to align with current trends.

This collaborative approach, coupled with our established rules, ensures that our defences remain one step ahead of evolving fraudulent techniques.

Thorough Review and Proactive Outreach

Thorough investigations are conducted into suspected fraudulent activities. In cases where suspicions arise, a member of the fraud team will firstly reach out to both the buyer and seller to authenticate the genuineness of the transaction.

In cases of fraud, our analysts respond promptly and take appropriate action. This can involve blocking transactions, freezing accounts, or when necessary escalating the matter to law enforcement authorities.

We maintain a comprehensive database of known fraudsters and their tactics, enabling us to proactively identify and block fraudulent activities from the outset. Furthermore, our team is trained to detect patterns within malicious transactions, ensuring they stay well-informed with regard to the latest fraud trends and techniques.

This hands on, swift approach minimises the impact of fraudulent activities and protects our users from financial losses.

Expert Chargeback Specialists

Chargebacks are an unfortunate reality of the online payment landscape. To minimise their impact, Shieldescrow’s dedicated chargeback specialists possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in countering chargebacks effectively.

These specialists work closely with our partners to build robust cases to challenge each chargeback. With a steady win rate above 90%, their efforts ensure our partners’ businesses are protected.

Our chargeback specialists are not just focused on mitigating the effects of chargebacks, they also prioritise knowledge sharing and prevention awareness. By collaborating with our partners, they educate them on how to prevent fraudulent chargebacks and identify instances of friendly fraud.

This proactive approach fosters a stronger ecosystem and protects both Shieldescrow and our partners’ businesses.

Shieldescrow’s commitment to fraud prevention is unwavering. By upholding a safe and secure environment, Shieldescrow empowers users to engage in online transactions with confidence, fostering a thriving community built on trust and peace of mind.

The post Safeguarding Transactions with Expert Fraud Analysts appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Common Scams Escrow Can Prevent on Classified Marketplaces

Online classified marketplaces have become a haven for fraudsters conducting their scams. You may come across fake sellers trying to sell non-existent products, sellers who take your money and never deliver the goods you have paid for or buyers who want to pay with credit cards that are stolen. These types of scams can cause significant financial harm, making it integral for classified users to be cautious while conducting transactions on classified marketplaces.

Common Scams on Classified Marketplaces

One of the most common scams on classified marketplaces is fake product listings. Fraudsters will post highly discounted items to lure in buyers, only to steal their money and never deliver the product. Another common scam is where a seller accepts payment and never ships the item. Other scams involve chargeback fraud, where a buyer initiates a chargeback claim even though they have received the product, or more than one buyer trying to purchase the same item. To overcome this type of Fraud, Shieldescrow has integrated shipping tracking into the transaction model. The seller only gets paid when the product is delivered and the buyer has verified the product is as described in the listing.

How to Identify Potential Scammers

Scammers often use similar tactics to lure in their victims. Some of the red flags to watch for include unrealistic prices, sellers unwilling to provide further photos of their products or refuse to answer simple questions about the product, and insist on using a specific payment method like cash or bank transfer. Generally, if you even suggest using an escrow service like Shieldescrow, scammers will decline.

What is Escrow and How Does it Work?

Escrow is a payment method that involves a third-party service provider that holds the money during a transaction. The funds are only released to the seller once the buyer has received and approved the product. This method ensures that both buyers and sellers are protected during the transaction process.

Many Classified Marketplaces are integrating escrow payment methods such as Shieldescrow to become a secure transactional marketplace. Shieldescrow provides a digital escrow-style process that involves three key stages:

1. The agreement between the buyer and seller on the price and product details. This is where the buyer and seller come to an agreement on the product, its condition, and the price. Once the details are agreed upon, the buyer initiates the payment process by transferring the funds to the Shieldescrow hold.
   
   
2. The second stage of the process is the delivery of the product. The seller ships the product to the buyer and inputs the tracking number within the Shieldescrow transaction.
   
   
3. In the final stage, once the buyer receives the product (verified by the couriers tracking number) and is satisfied it is as described and fit for purpose, the funds are then released to the seller.

Escrow Payment Methods vs PayPal

Online payment platforms like PayPal provide a secure way to send and receive money online. However, they are often criticised for being reactive to fraud rather than preventative.

To explain this, Paypal’s buyer protection will only help you after a scam has occurred. Once you report the scam you will enter a 180-day resolution period whereby you are not guaranteed to be rewarded a refund.

On the other hand, escrow is deemed preventative to online payment scams, if the received merchandise is fraudulent, is not as described or never arrives –  the funds will always be returned to you right away. 

Choose the Right Escrow Service for You

If the classified marketplace does not have an escrow service integrated on their website, it is essential you choose the correct service to ensure a seamless experience.

Factors to consider when selecting an escrow service:

• Reputation: Look for escrow services with positive reviews and a good reputation in the market.
• Cost: Consider the fees charged by each service and choose one that is affordable for you.
• Currency: Make sure the escrow service is available in your area.
• Payment methods: Check if the escrow service accepts the payment method you prefer such as Google and Apple Pay.
• Support: Choose an escrow service that offers excellent customer support and is responsive to your queries.

Tips for a Safe and Successful Escrow Transaction

While escrow services provide a secure way to conduct transactions, there are still some things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and successful experience.

Communicating with the Buyer/Seller

Proper communication is essential before and during the transaction. Clarify any doubts you have and make sure that you understand the product details and shipping terms. This can help prevent misunderstandings that may lead to disputes later on.

Verifying the Legitimacy of the Escrow Service

Before using an escrow service, make sure that it is legitimate and reliable. Research the service and read reviews from other users to ensure it offers the features you need and provides excellent customer support.

Ensuring a Smooth Transaction Process

After choosing an escrow service, make sure to follow the steps outlined by them to complete the transaction successfully. Verify that the product details and shipping information are accurate and keep all transaction records safe in case of disputes.

Escrow is a safe and secure way to conduct transactions on classified marketplaces with peace of mind. By understanding the risks of classified marketplaces, choosing the right escrow service, and following the tips for a safe and successful transaction, buyers and sellers can feel confident in their transactions and avoid losing their hard-earned money.

The post Why Escrow is the Best Payment Method Not to Get Scammed on Classified Marketplaces appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Transparent and Simple Returns Policy

Although returns can be frustrating, they are an inevitable part of running an ecommerce business and essential in maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. A transparent, comprehendible returns policy is crucial.

A good returns process can help you retain customers and maintain loyalty, while a poor returns process can be detrimental to your business. If you overcomplicate your return procedure it could deter customers from returning.

Provide Customers with an Easy to Use Return System

Implementing a self-service returns system is an excellent way to simplify your returns process. Not only will this increase the customers chance of returning, but it will significantly decrease the amount of time staff dedicate to completing return forms and handling customer service complaints.

In order to reduce the number of overall returns try implementing a feedback system into the self service return process, asking your customers for there reasoning behind the return. This data should allow you to identify areas in need of improvement and you can enhance your site accordingly.

A Secure Checkout Experience

Offering an escrow service payment option on your website can additionally be a great way of managing returns. They not only provide sellers with a level of protection but additionally help build trust with buyers, which can lead to less returns and more sales in the future. By using an escrow service payment plugin, customers can trust they will get what they have paid for, or get their money back, without you, the store owner having to incur any chargeback fees. 

Shieldescrow offers a free escrow payment service, which allows you to securely take payments, via Stripe’s secure technology, without you having to incur any transaction fees. Shieldescrow is a trusted third party that securely holds the buyers money until their purchase is received. 

Ultimately, offering an escrow service such as Shieldescrow on your website can give you a more professional image, reduce the risk of fraudulent claims, help you attract more buyers, increase your sales, and reduce your costs as there are no chargeback fees. 

The post How to Increase Customer Loyalty on E-commerce Stores by Optimizing Your Return Management Process appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Energy Elephant

Energy Elephant is an Irish start-up dedicated to combatting the effects of climate change and adhering to sustainable practices through its energy management solutions.  They offer an all-in-one energy and sustainability management platform that helps organizations around the world to improve sustainability, reduce costs, and save time. By helping businesses to monitor and reduce their energy consumption, they are helping to lower carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Energy Elephant is also committed to operating as a sustainable company. They have implemented sustainable practices in their office, such as recycling and reducing energy usage, and have offset their carbon emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. In 2022 they won a 2nd place award for Finnovating Most Sustainable Startup.

PURE Clothing

Based in the West of Ireland, PURE Clothing is another Irish start-up dedicated to combating the effects of climate change through its promotion of sustainable and ethical practices within the fashion industry. Fast fashion poses a major threat to the environment and refers to the rapid production and consumption of inexpensive clothing, which is often quickly discarded and replaced. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative impacts of fast fashion, and consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable and ethical clothing options.

PURE Clothing has a strong commitment to reducing its environmental impact, ensuring its clothing is produced in a responsible and sustainable manner. Using only eco-friendly materials and organic cotton within their production processes, their products are made to last. PURE Clothing’s efforts in sustainability saw them awarded the best project in Natural Environment at the Business Spirit Awards in 2020, which focuses on responsible innovation.

Native Events

Native Events is an Irish startup, which was established in 2017 in response to the lack of sustainable solutions available in the events and cultural sector in Ireland. The company is committed to combating the effects of climate change and adhering to sustainable practices by working with an expanding community of partners, including events, festivals, and cultural organizations, to ensure a systems-wide transition to sustainability and regeneration. 

Native Events believes that transitioning the sector to a more sustainable and circular model is the pathway towards a more balanced way of being, thriving inside planetary boundaries. They offer a range of sustainable solutions, including solar-powered sound systems, small and large-capacity batteries, temporary solar solutions for outdoor events, sustainable and circular signage, reusable cups, and upcycled furniture and decor. Native Events is dedicated to providing sustainable and innovative solutions to power events, productions, and projects while minimizing their environmental impact.

YourRetrofit.ie

YourRetrofit.ie is a new technology start-up headquartered in Dublin, helping reduce the carbon footprint of homes and CO2 emissions by outlining solutions to improve your home’s energy performance. The carbon footprint of housing already represents around 20% of all global CO2 emissions. The residential sector, however, intends to become the most prominent electricity consumer by 2050. With the worsening energy crisis affecting consumers globally, utility bills are expected to soar further in the coming years. 

YourRetrofit.ie is a free-to-use, unbiased, platform which identifies the specific energy deficiencies of your home based on the contents of your BER data. The platform condenses this complex information into simple-to-understand, tailor-made advice regarding the upgrade options suitable for your home and your budget. It presents unbiased options and empowers homeowners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions which best suit their circumstances. As an added bonus, the platform partners with a number of businesses which can support individuals through their retrofit journey, offering valuable savings that can maximise the benefits of the retrofit.

Shieldescrow

Shieldescrow is helping to combat problems of fast fashion, overconsumption, excess waste and increasing GHG emissions by facilitating products in a second life cycle. Founded by Conor Lyden in Cork in 2017, Shieldescrow offers a secure payment gateway for people to buy and sell second-hand items. Through their partnerships with preloved.co.uk in the United Kingdom and Malaysia’s largest classified marketplace, Mudah.my, Shieldescrow is gradually becoming the desired payment solution for pre-owned products. Shieldescrow additionally offers a peer-to-peer payment application, facilitating individuals in private exchanges, making it easy and safe for people to embrace the second-hand reselling market. 

While speaking about his developed product, founder & CEO, Conor Lyden stated that “the current systems in place are linear and based on a throwaway culture, meaning that items are discarded at a rapid rate. Our payment gateway has helped accelerate growth within the classified marketplace space and is helping reshape the industry so that consumer-to-consumer purchases become more accessible to all”.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative impacts of fast fashion and overconsumption. Online resale platforms such as Depop and Facebook marketplace are continually rising in popularity, indicating a repositioning in consumer trends to seek alternative sustainable and ethical options. By promoting the use of second-hand products, Shieldescrow is helping to combat the effects of environmental degradation. Using these eco-friendly applications is not a complete solution in the fight towards sustainability. Nonetheless, it’s a step forward in the right direction towards a greener, more circular economy. 

Overall, these Irish start-ups demonstrate how businesses can contribute sustainably to the environment. Through their innovative solutions, they are making a positive impact on the environment and encouraging others to follow suit. Their efforts are an inspiration for businesses worldwide, showing that it is possible to operate sustainably while also being successful. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, it is crucial that more companies follow in their footsteps and work towards a more sustainable future.

The post 5 Irish Start-ups Committed to Creating a More Sustainable Future! appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Understanding Escrow Payments and Open Banking

Both escrow payments and open banking have the potential to redefine the way we manage money and conduct transactions. To grasp their connection, it’s essential first to have a clear understanding of each concept.

What are Escrow Payments?

Escrow payments are a financial arrangement where a trusted third party—holds funds on behalf of transacting parties until certain conditions are met.

At Shieldescrow we provide this service directly to consumers through our website and mobile apps. We have also integrated with online marketplaces such as Malaysia’s largest classified marketplace Mudah, through our Escrow API, enabling their users to buy and sell with complete peace of mind.

The primary goal of escrow payments is to provide a layer of security and trust, primarily when dealing with unknown parties or for high-value transactions. Shieldescrow serving as a modern-day escrow agent ensures that the funds are released only when all requirements are satisfied, thus mitigating the risk of non-payment, non-delivery, and other potential issues.

For example, let’s say you’re buying a second-hand dress online. You’ll deposit the funds into the Shieldescrow hold, and the seller will send the dress with the delivery tracking number connected to the transaction. Shieldescrow will then verify the item has been delivered by the courier and the buyer will confirm all conditions of the sale have been met, before releasing the funds to the seller.

The Concept of Open Banking

Open banking is a system whereby banks and other financial institutions facilitate the sharing of customer data with third-party providers (TPPs) through secure application programming interfaces (APIs). This allows customers to enjoy a more seamless and personalized experience across various financial services, including Shieldescrow.

The primary idea behind open banking is to foster innovation and competition within the banking and financial sector, enabling the development of new products and services tailored to meet specific consumer needs. It also empowers consumers to have more transparency and control over their financial data, while challenging traditional banks to enhance their offerings.

With the help of open banking, Shieldescrow users can connect their Google and/or Apple pay account to checkout on Shieldescrow without entering your payment details on the app.

The Evolution of Escrow Payments and Open Banking

To appreciate the potential impact of integrating escrow payments and open banking, it’s important to understand their evolution and how technology has shaped these offerings.

Traditional Escrow Payment Systems

Traditionally, escrow payments have been heavily reliant on manual processes that could be time-consuming and prone to human error. This often resulted in delays, increased transaction costs, and limited access to such arrangements for smaller-scale transactions.

However, over time, technological advancements have played a crucial role in streamlining and automating many aspects of escrow transactions. This has resulted in a faster, more secure, and cost-effective process, making escrow payments more widely accessible to both businesses and individuals.

Shieldescrow has incorporated features such as secure online portals, and real-time notifications. These features have removed the need for paperwork and manual intervention, resulting in a more efficient and convenient process for all parties involved.

The Emergence of Open Banking

As for open banking, its initial spark came from the regulatory pressure exerted by governments and organizations seeking to enhance transparency and competition within the financial sector. This pressure has led to ground-breaking legislation, such as the European Union’s Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and the United Kingdom’s Open Banking Initiative.

These regulations and similar efforts in other parts of the world have paved the way for open banking, pushing traditional financial institutions to open up their data to third-party providers through secure APIs. As a result, an ecosystem of innovative financial services providers has emerged, offering novel solutions that leverage open banking infrastructure.

Technological Advancements Shaping the Industry

Several notable technological advancements are shaping the industry, including blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. These technologies have the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of escrow payments and open banking services, while also further improving transparency, security, and user experience.

Blockchain, for instance, can provide a tamper-proof and decentralized ledger of all escrow transactions, ensuring that all parties have access to the same information and reducing the risk of fraud. Machine learning and artificial intelligence can be used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that can help improve the accuracy and speed of escrow payments and open banking services.

At Shieldescrow we are in the process of integrating biometric authentication, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, which will further enhance the security of our services, ensuring that only authorized individuals are using our app.

Benefits of Integrating Escrow Payments with Open Banking

As we move towards an increasingly digital financial landscape, the integration of escrow payments and open banking offers several notable benefits.

Enhanced Security and Trust

By leveraging the secure data-sharing infrastructure provided by open banking, escrow payments stand to benefit from greater security and trust. Real-time access to account information and transaction data will ensure that digital escrow agents can effectively monitor and validate the completion of deliverables, while also allowing for improved tracking and reporting.

Improved Efficiency and Speed

Through open banking APIs, transactions can be processed faster and more efficiently, reducing the time and resources required to complete escrow payments. Shieldescrow aims to further streamline escrow payments with the help of open banking to minimize manual intervention, leading to significant cost savings for all parties involved.

Greater Transparency and Control

One of the cornerstones of open banking is promoting transparency and control over one’s financial data. By integrating escrow payments into this system, Shieldescrow customers have access to detailed information about their transactions, with the ability to monitor and control funds throughout the escrow process.

Expanding Access to Financial Services

The combination of escrow payments and open banking can enable access to financial services for populations that were previously underserved by traditional banking systems. By embracing new technologies and leveraging open banking infrastructure, financial institutions can provide easier and more affordable options for conducting secure transactions.

Challenges and Concerns

Although companies such as Shieldescrow have reaped the benefits of the integration of escrow payments and open banking, it is not without its challenges and concerns.

Regulatory and Compliance Issues

By integrating escrow payments with open banking, financial institutions and third-party providers must ensure compliance with an extensive array of local and international regulations. Achieving this can be a complex and resource-intensive task, especially when operating across multiple jurisdictions. At Shieldescrow, we realised this could be a barrier to entry for us entering new markets outside the European Union and partnered with Stripe Payments in 2019, which provided us access to over 48 countries globally.

Data Privacy and Security Risks

As more personal and financial data is shared between institutions and third-party providers, concerns around data privacy and security become increasingly critical. Ensuring the secure transmission, storage, and processing of customer data is essential to building trust and maintaining compliance with data protection laws.

Resistance from Traditional Banking Institutions

Finally, there may be resistance from some traditional banking institutions to embrace the integrated adoption of escrow payments and open banking. These banks may prefer maintaining their legacy systems and may be reluctant to cede control over their customer data and transaction processes to third-party providers.

The future of escrow payments and open banking looks promising as technological advancements continue to shape the financial landscape. At Shieldescrow we look forward to embracing innovation and addressing the associated challenges, allowing us to become a more secure, efficient, and transparent financial ecosystem that benefits businesses and consumers alike long into the future.

The post Exploring the Future of Escrow Payments and Open Banking appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

Shieldescrow is an end-to-end payment solution that allows classified marketplaces to facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers online.
Shieldescrow allows you to accept multiple currencies and payment methods online, hold funds in segregated accounts and automate pay-outs once specified milestones are completed.

Get in touch to partner with our payment platform or to discuss the different partnership
opportunities available.

Milestone Based Transactions

We provide a distinct payment solution that sets us apart from our competitors.
Our secure payment platform completely eliminates the risk of fraudulent transactions through our milestone-based payment model, allowing customers to transact with peace of mind.

Seamless Integration

Integrate our payment solution easily thanks to a developer-friendly API. Our ShieldescrowI is made to match your development resources, need for customization and speed of delivery.

Our technical support is always on hand to assist with the integration to make the process seamless.

Our Partners

An end-to-end payments platform with global scale and flexibility for all marketplace models.

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Stripe is the world’s most secure payment processor. Partnering with them allows Shieldescrow to offer its users and partners an extra layer of security and trust. Our partnership with Stripe ensures all customer payments and details are handled with the highest level of protection.

Stripe handles all payments made on Shieldescrow!

Stripe is regulated in Europe by the Central Bank of Ireland and by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority. Shieldescrow’s partnership with Stripe ensures it complies with all AML, KYC, PSDII, and GDPR regulations in the countries listed here.

How does Shieldescrow use Stripe?

Shieldescrow uses two key Stripe products within their partnership, Stripe Radar and Identity.

Stripe Radar allows Shieldescrow to fight fraud with the strength of the Stripe network.

Stripe processes payments for every industry, company size, and business model, across 197 countries. Even if a card is new to your business, there’s a 91% chance it’s been seen before on the Stripe network.

By learning from millions of global businesses processing billions in payments yearly, Radar can assign risk scores to every payment and automatically block many high-risk payments.

Radar scans every payment using thousands of signals from across the Stripe network to help detect and prevent fraud – even before it hits your business.

Stripe Identity allows Shieldescrow to programmatically confirm the identity of global users so as to prevent fraudulent attacks and minimise friction between legitimate customers.

Stripe Identity allows Shieldescrow to confidently verify the authenticity of ID documents from over 100 countries.

Stripe has optimized its fraud prevention systems through decades of experience fighting sophisticated fraudsters, continually updating their models to prevent the latest attacks.

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Scammers are always looking for new ways to steal your money. With cryptocurrency accelerating in popularity, new scamming opportunities have been created.

The scammers have begun impersonating businesses, government agencies, and love interests, among other tactics to trick you into buying cryptocurrency and transferring it to them.

Although crypto cons are a relatively new concern, the tactics used by the fraudsters remain the same. Only now they involve either investment or payment through cryptocurrency.

Is investing in cryptocurrency safe?

Crypto is central to an investment scam as it can be used in one of two ways, either as the investment opportunity or as the form of payment.

Investment scams often begin with an unexpected text, email or phone call. However, more than likely they will commence through social media or an online dating website/ app.

Generally an “investment manager” or enthusiast will reach out to you unexpectedly via one of the previously mentioned forums, guaranteeing big returns with zero risk.

The investment scammer may even steer you towards a legitimate looking website, containing celebrity endorsements and testimonials from happy investors. Although it may all look genuine, these elements are easily faked.

Spotting an Investment Cryptocurrency Scam

It is important to note that no financial investment is guaranteed to return a profit, as investments can decrease as well as increase. Therefore, promising a quick and easy way to turn a profit is a major red flag.

Any investment opportunity offering free money is always a sign of a scam, whether in cash or cryptocurrency.

Scammers tend to make big claims without any detail or further explanation. Honest investment advisors want to share information with you and provide further details. 

Never mix online dating and investment advice. If you meet someone on a dating site or app, and they offer you investment advice or want to show you how to invest in crypto, this is more than likely a scam.

It is essential to conduct your own research into an investment opportunity, to find out how it works and to ask questions.

Finally, as with any investment opportunity, never invest money you cannot afford to lose. It is essential to understand the risks associated with crypto before you invest.

Business and Government Impersonators Scams

Scammers often impersonate well-known companies pretending to be someone you trust in order to convince you to buy and send them cryptocurrency.

They may text, call, email or send messages through social media. You may be told there has been fraudulent activity on your account, you owe money, your money is at risk or that your account have been frozen due to suspected illegal activity.

In order to rectify the issue or to protect your money you will need to purchase crypto and send it to them for “safekeeping”.

Some scammers may even stay in contact with you, giving you step-by-step instructions on how to convert your money to cryptocurrency and how to send the payment directly into their digital wallet.

How to avoid a business or government impersonator scam

No legitimate business is going to demand payment in cryptocurrency. If a payment can only be made through crypto, this is a scam.

Equally no legitimate business will ever email, text, or message you on social media to ask for money.

Never click on a link from an unexpected text, email, or social media message, even if it seems to come from a company you know.

Unlike many other forms of payment, cryptocurrency payments do not come with any legal protections. Once the crypto is transferred, your money will be irretrievable and the scammer will disappear. Therefore you should never pay anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, demanding payment through cryptocurrency.

The post Common Crypto Scams and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Shieldescrow Blog.

As a consequence, this has resulted in a large cohort of people being unable to maintain the costs and care associated with their household pets.

New owners as well as breeders, puppy farmers and scammers have made the conscious decisions to dump their lockdown animals, abandoning them or placing them within the care of a rescue centre.

The cost of caring for an Animal in 2022

Purchasing a new pet can be exciting. However, they are a big commitment. They are expensive and require plenty of exercise, a healthy diet, and a loving home.

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals reckons a dog’s potential lifetime cost could range from anywhere between £25,000 to £30,800, varying depending on the dog’s size, breed and how long they live.

Prior to their purchase, numerous individuals fail to conduct adequate research into the costs surrounding an animal’s care and maintenance. The Covid-19 Pandemic had a large part to play in this as according to the BBC, more than 3.2 million UK households bought their first pet on impulse within March 2020.

The increasing cost of living is forcing households into financial hardship and as a result they are no longer able to afford to keep their animals.

Animal Rescue Centres are being stretched to the breaking point

As a result of this crisis, rescue centres have been placed under fierce pressure. The RSPCA reported a 29% increase in the number of pets in their care in comparison to previous years, blaming the rising cost of living and the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Hope Rescue stated they were the busiest they had been in 16 years, having received 300 dogs since January 2022, double the amount from pre-pandemic levels. The charity additionally reported 20 to 30 calls a day from owners declaring their financial situations had changed and were no longer able to afford to care for their pets.

Rescue centre’s have already accommodated more animals than they can cope with or find homes for, with cats and dogs being placed on a waiting list for a space, as they are at full capacity.

How secure selling of pets can help decrease the abandonment rates of pets

We understand the financial hardship which has been imposed on many in recent times and when it comes to animal welfare, we want your pet to be healthy and happy.

Securely rehoming and selling your pet in a safe environment can help reduce the current abandonment rates, while also ensuring the best possible outcome for your animals.

Shieldescrow is a secure payment platform which allows you to buy and sell anything without the risk of being scammed. Its Escrow style payment service and its partnership with Preloved enables you to find the perfect buyer or seller.

Preloved’s ID verification platform offers customized tools that allows them to verify your identity in a safe and trusted manner. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, verifying identity is important, especially when it comes to high-value or emotional purchases.

If you are looking to buy or sell a pet, Preloved’s partnership with Shieldescrow is the safest way to transact online.

Shieldescrow is a transactions platform that acts as an additional safety net for online payments on Preloved, helping their wonderful users transact with complete peace of mind. Shieldescrow works for both online and face-to-face transactions, allowing Preloved users to buy and sell in a safe way.

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