Trustmark 101: What You Need To Know About Online Verification Services

With massive fraud and scams flooding the internet, consumers and entrepreneurs alike have turned to trustmarks to ensure the safe conduct of online business transactions.

Trustmarks are seal certifications awarded to websites that comply to correct business standards on the Internet. These logos are displayed on a site’s main page along with the company’s verified credentials. But be warned--not all Trustmarks are created equal. Here’s a few things you need to know.


SSL and PCI Scanning Certifications

The most common trustmarks are SSL and PCI Scanning certifications. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and secure.

On the other hand, PCI (Payment Card Industry) Scanning is a "sweep" made on the secure server that handles the online transaction (such as Visa, Mastercard or American Express). This is meant to combat data theft and reduce online fraud. Most payment gateways such as PayPal already have this as a built-in procedure.

While SSL and PCI Scanning Certifications are the baseline requirements for online business, they only apply to data security encryption. They will not tell you if the company behind the website is a legitimate legal entity, nor will they protect you from privacy breaches or fraudulent claims.


Privacy Policy and Business Verification Certifications

If you want to be sure that you’re buying from a credible business, or that you won’t be sent electronic advertising without your consent, a Business Verification Trustmark with Privacy Policy certification is your best bet.

A Business Verification Trustmark confirms that a company complies with all ethical, legal and trade regulations governing e-commerce. All advertised claims will also be verified in order to prevent fraud and other statements that may mislead the public. It also ensures that a company is clearly identified, legitimate, and duly registered. This should be partnered with a Privacy Policy certification, which protects data collected from online registrations, purchases, and other activity involving user information.


Localized Service: Sure Seal Certified Business for Pinoy e-Commerce

Localized service is what makes a Business Verification Certification truly effective. One of the most prominent business verification providers in the world, the Better Business Bureau, is limited to American and Canadian clients for a very good reason. To maintain stringent auditing standards, a third-party verification service must have expertise in the given business milieu. Physical checks are essential in business investigations, which would be difficult for a foreign service provider. Consumers should be aware of these standards: some dubious companies have been known to award certifications without thorough verification. Without impeccable standards, trustmark services would be just like scams themselves.

For clients in the Philippines, Sure Seal Trustmark answers this need. As the first business verification trustmark specializing in the Philippine scene, the rigorous Sure Seal process ensures physical office inspections, verification of active checking accounts and customer service systems as well as legal documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue and your local government office. Privacy Policies and all business claims will also be screened,  subject to at least four random checks over the course of the year.


By shopping on Trustmark-certified sites, online shoppers can rest easy that their credit information won’t be stolen. For entrepreneurs, a Trustmark can enhance their business profile and raise sales. With little or no government protection for online shoppers, Trustmarks from trusted third parties are still the best way to ensure safe business practices on the Web.