BT POLICIES AND OPERATIONS

BT VERIFIED – REFUND POLICY

1. Purpose

This Refund Policy explains the conditions under which BT Verified may issue refunds for verification services or tier packages purchased on our website.

2. General Refund Rule

Because BT Verified provides digital verification services, all sales are generally final once the verification process has begun.

Refunds may be issued only in specific circumstances, outlined below.

3. When Refunds ARE Provided

BT Verified will provide a refund if:

3.1 Duplicate Payment

You were accidentally charged twice for the same purchase.

3.2 System Error

A technical error on the BT Verified website caused a failed or incomplete onboarding.

3.3 Service Not Delivered

If BT Verified cannot complete verification due to an internal issue (not related to missing or incorrect customer information), a refund may be issued.

4. When Refunds Are NOT Provided

Refunds will not be issued if:

4.1 Incorrect or False Information Was Provided

If a business supplies false, incomplete, or unverifiable details and the verification must be declined.

4.2 Lack of Required Evidence

If the customer cannot provide proof of operation, identity, or service legitimacy.

4.3 Customer Changes Their Mind

Refunds are not issued due to change of mind after purchase.

4.4 Verification Already Completed

Once a BT Code has been assigned and a profile created, the service is considered delivered.

5. Verification Declined (Non-Refundable)

If the business fails verification due to:

  • fraud indicators,

  • inconsistent information,

  • scam reports,

  • or inability to confirm legitimacy,

the verification fee is not refundable, because operational time and assessment have already been completed.

6. Tier Upgrades / Downgrades

Customers may request:

  • a Tier upgrade (paying the difference), or

  • a Tier downgrade (refund of the difference before verification begins).

After verification begins, downgrades are not refundable.

7. Processing Time

Approved refunds will be processed within 5–7 working days to the original payment method.

8. Contact for Refund Requests

To request a refund, contact us at:

📧 elev8trust@gmail.com
📞 02040999844

Provide:

  • Business name

  • NZBN

  • Proof of payment

  • Reason for the request

BT VERIFIED – BT CODE MISUSE POLICY

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy explains the rules, rights, and consequences related to the use of BT Codes, BT Verified badges, and any official BT Verified verification materials.
It protects both the public and genuine verified businesses by preventing fraud, impersonation, or unauthorised use of BT Verified assets.

2. What Is a BT Code?

A BT Code is a unique identification number issued by BT Verified to a business that has completed our verification process.
The BT Code certifies:

  • Business identity is confirmed

  • NZBN information is legitimate

  • Proof of operation has been verified

  • No known fraud or scam activity

  • The business has been reviewed by BT Verified

BT Codes are official trust markers — they cannot be used without authorisation.

3. Prohibited Uses of BT Codes

The following actions are strictly forbidden:

3.1 Using a BT Code without being verified

No business may display, claim, or advertise a BT Code unless BT Verified has issued it to them.

3.2 Using another business’s BT Code

BT Codes cannot be copied, borrowed, or used to mislead customers.

3.3 Altering, editing, or remaking the BT Verified badge

Businesses may not modify or reproduce BT Verified logos or digital assets.

3.4 Faking a BT Verified status

No individual or company may claim to be “BT Verified” unless officially verified.

3.5 Misleading customers using BT branding

Any use of BT Codes or BT Verified logos for deception is considered misuse.

4. Consequences of BT Code Misuse

BT Verified reserves the right to take immediate action if misuse is detected.

Actions may include:

4.1 Revocation of Verification

BT Verified may remove verified status and revoke the BT Code.

4.2 Public Notice on BT Verified Website

A warning may be posted on the business’s profile page.

4.3 Reporting to Authorities

Severe misuse, fraud, or illegal behaviour may be referred to:

  • NZ Police

  • MBIE

  • CERT NZ

  • Check NZ

  • Relevant regulatory bodies

4.4 Legal Action

BT Verified may pursue legal remedies for:

  • Trademark infringement

  • Identity deception

  • Consumer harm

  • Brand misuse

4.5 Permanent Blacklisting

BT Verified may permanently ban the business from future verification.

5. How the Public Can Report Misuse

If you suspect a business is misusing a BT Code, contact:

Email: elev8trust@gmail.com
Phone: 02040999844

Include:

  • Business name

  • Screenshot or photo

  • Location or website link

  • Description of misuse

All reports are reviewed within 48 hours.

6. Business Responsibilities

Verified businesses must:

  • Use their BT Code correctly

  • Keep BT Verified updated with any changes

  • Report misuse of their own code

  • Display badges only in the formats provided

  • Not share or transfer their BT Code

BT Codes are tied to a business’s identity — not transferrable, not sellable.

7. Updates to This Policy

BT Verified may update this policy as needed.
All changes apply to current and future BT Code holders.

BT VERIFIED – VERIFICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

How BT Verified Confirms a Business Is Genuine

BT Verified was created to restore trust in New Zealand businesses.
Every verified business receives a BT Code, which confirms they have passed our verification checks and are operating legitimately.

Here’s how our process works:

1. Business Submits an Application

A business applies through our website and provides:

  • NZBN details

  • Contact information

  • Basic operating evidence

  • Any relevant photos or links

This begins the verification process.

2. Identity & NZBN Check

We confirm the business identity through:

  • Official NZBN records

  • Trading name consistency

  • Ownership details

  • Contact accuracy

This ensures the business legally exists.

3. Proof of Operation

We review evidence showing the business is genuinely operating, such as:

  • Photos of the business or recent work

  • Social media or online presence

  • Customer interactions

  • Service or product examples

This prevents fake or inactive listings.

4. Authenticity & Safety Review

We check for:

  • Scam warnings

  • Fraud indicators

  • Repeated complaints

  • Mismatched information

  • Publicly available records

If red flags appear, the business will not be approved.

5. Foot Patrol (Local Businesses Only)

If the business is within a foot-patrol area, BT Verified may visit in person to confirm:

  • Location

  • Operating status

  • Staff presence

  • Service legitimacy

This adds an extra layer of trust for the community.

6. BT Code Issued

Once approved, BT Verified assigns a unique BT Code to the business.

This code confirms:

  • The business has been checked

  • Operating details are verified

  • No known fraud is associated with them

7. Profile Published

A verified profile is added to bt-verified.com showing:

  • Business information

  • Verification status

  • Testimonials and feedback

  • Scam-report options

This creates full transparency for customers.

8. Ongoing Monitoring

Verification is not a one-time event.
BT Verified monitors:

  • Updated customer feedback

  • New scam reports

  • Changes in business details

Verification can be revoked if issues arise.

Why Verification Matters

BT Verified helps customers choose businesses with confidence and helps genuine businesses stand out from scams, fakes, or unreliable operators.

BT VERIFIED – SCAM REPORT OVERVIEW

How Scam Reporting Works on BT Verified

BT Verified gives the public a safe and simple way to report scams, suspicious activity, or dishonest business behaviour.
Our goal is to protect the community and help New Zealanders make safer decisions.

Here’s how the scam report system works:

1. Submit Your Report

Anyone can submit a report through our website.
We ask for:

  • Your contact details (optional)

  • The business or individual involved

  • A description of what happened

  • Screenshots or evidence (if available)

You can report anonymously if you choose.

2. BT Verified Reviews the Report

Once received, BT Verified reviews:

  • The information submitted

  • The business’s history

  • Any past complaints

  • Evidence or screenshots

  • Whether the claim matches known scams

We aim to review reports within 48 hours.

3. Cross-Check With BT Code Records

If the business holds a BT Code, we check:

  • Whether their details match

  • If the behaviour violates verification standards

  • If the issue requires immediate action

Verified businesses may be contacted for clarification when appropriate.

4. Escalation (If Necessary)

If the report indicates fraud, threats, significant deception, or criminal activity, BT Verified may escalate it to:

  • Check NZ

  • CERT NZ

  • NZ Police (Fraud Unit)

  • Relevant regulatory bodies

We take community safety seriously.

5. Updating the Business Profile

If the business is listed on BT Verified:

  • A note may be added to their profile

  • A warning may be issued

  • Verification may be paused or removed

  • The business may be asked to respond

Our priority is accuracy and fairness.

6. Community Transparency

Scam reports help:

  • Protect the public

  • Prevent repeated harm

  • Highlight risky businesses

  • Build trust in genuine operators

Every report contributes to a safer business environment.

7. Confidentiality

Your information is kept private.
We do not publish your name or details unless required by law.

Why Reporting Matters

Scam reports help BT Verified identify:

  • Bad actors

  • High-risk behaviours

  • Patterns of deception

  • Businesses attempting to exploit customers

Your report could protect someone else from being scammed.

Share Your Experience With a Business

BT Verified allows customers and community members to share honest experiences with businesses—good or bad.
Testimonials help build transparency, protect the public, and highlight operators who are doing things right.

1. Anyone Can Submit a Testimonial

You can submit:

  • Positive feedback

  • Neutral observations

  • Negative experiences

  • General comments about service or behaviour

All testimonials help build a clearer picture of how a business operates.

2. What Information We Ask For

To keep testimonials fair and transparent, we ask for:

  • Your name (optional)

  • Your experience

  • The business name

  • Any evidence or screenshots (optional)

You can choose to remain anonymous publicly.

3. How Testimonials Are Reviewed

BT Verified checks each submission for:

  • Clear, understandable information

  • No abusive language or hate speech

  • No false claims or malicious attacks

  • Whether evidence supports the experience (if provided)

We aim to review all testimonials within 24–48 hours.

4. How Testimonials Are Displayed

Approved testimonials appear:

  • On the business’s BT Verified profile

  • In the public testimonial feed

  • Marked as Positive or Report/Negative

We do not alter or rewrite your words—we only ensure they meet community standards.

5. What Happens When a Negative Testimonial Is Submitted

Negative testimonials are NOT hidden.

When submitted:

  • They appear in the same feed as positive ones

  • The business may respond

  • BT Verified may review their verification status

  • Repeated issues may trigger further investigation

Transparency protects the community.

6. Why Testimonials Matter

Testimonials help:

  • Customers make informed decisions

  • Genuine businesses stand out

  • The community stay safer

  • BT Verified maintain accurate, fair public records

Every shared experience contributes to a more trustworthy business environment.

BT VERIFIED – WHAT IS A BT CODE?

A BT Code is a unique verification number assigned to a business that has passed BT Verified’s identity and authenticity checks.
It is the official indicator that a business is legitimate, operating, and transparent.

1. A BT Code Confirms Verification

When a business receives a BT Code, it means:

  • Their NZBN has been checked

  • Their identity and ownership have been confirmed

  • They have provided proof of operation

  • No known scam activity is linked to them

  • They meet BT Verified’s authenticity standards

Customers can trust that a BT Code represents real, verified information.

2. How BT Codes Work

Each BT Code is:

  • Exclusive to the business

  • Non-transferable

  • Permanently tied to their profile

  • Used as a public trust indicator

The code links directly to the business’s verified BT Profile page.

Businesses cannot share, copy, or reuse BT Codes — each one is unique.

3. Where BT Codes Are Displayed

Businesses can display their BT Code on:

  • Websites

  • Social media

  • Shopfront signs

  • Business cards

  • Google listings

  • Vehicles

  • Product packaging

  • Invoices and quotes

Anywhere the business wants to show they are trusted and verified.

4. How Customers Use a BT Code

Customers can:

  • Enter the BT Code into the search bar at bt-verified.com

  • View the business’s verified profile

  • Check their legitimacy

  • View testimonials and reports

  • Make safer decisions

If a BT Code doesn’t exist or doesn’t match — it’s a warning sign.

5. Why BT Codes Matter

A BT Code helps:

  • Build trust

  • Fight scams

  • Protect customers

  • Support genuine operators

  • Bring transparency to the business community

It gives businesses a real advantage in a world where trust matters more than ever.

BT VERIFIED – WHY VERIFICATION MATTERS

In today’s world, customers are overwhelmed with choices — and too many businesses operate without transparency.
Verification creates trust.
Trust drives business.
And verified businesses stand out immediately.

1. It Protects Customers

Verification helps customers avoid:

  • Fake businesses

  • Scams

  • Unlicensed traders

  • Overstated services

  • Misleading claims

A BT Code gives customers confidence that the business is real and legitimate.

2. It Protects Genuine Businesses

Good businesses lose customers because of:

  • scammers pretending to be them

  • dishonest competitors

  • unclear information online

Verification sets genuine operators apart from the noise.

3. It Creates Transparency

A verified profile shows:

  • who the business is

  • what they do

  • how they operate

  • what customers experience

  • whether there are any reports or issues

Transparency builds safer communities.

4. It Restores Trust in Local Business

New Zealanders want to support local businesses —
but they also want to feel safe doing it.

Verification strengthens:

  • customer confidence

  • fairness

  • accountability

  • reputation for honest operators

5. It Helps Customers Choose Faster

A BT Code allows customers to instantly check:

  • authenticity

  • testimonials

  • scam history

  • public feedback

This removes doubt and speeds up trust.

6. It Supports the Growth of Our Economy

When customers trust businesses:

  • they spend more

  • they return more

  • they refer more people

  • businesses grow stronger

Verification is not just safety — it’s economic support.

Why It Matters for You

Whether you’re a customer trying to avoid scams,
or a business trying to prove you’re the real deal —
verification gives you the confidence to move forward.