Legal
Scam Protection Guarantee Policy
Last Updated: March 27, 2026
1. Overview
CardTrade offers a Scam Protection Guarantee designed to provide users with an added layer of protection when completing transactions using the platform. This program is only available for transactions properly documented within CardTrade.
The Scam Protection Guarantee is intended to reduce the risk of fraud by encouraging users to document transactions within CardTrade and follow platform guidelines.
1.1 Not Insurance or Financial Guarantee
The Scam Protection Guarantee:
- Is not an insurance product
- Is not provided by a licensed insurance company
- Does not guarantee reimbursement or recovery of funds
- Is a discretionary program offered by CardTrade
1.2 Conditional Protection
Eligibility for the Scam Protection Guarantee depends on:
- Proper use of CardTrade features
- Compliance with all platform requirements
- Accurate and complete transaction documentation
Failure to meet these conditions may result in denial of a claim.
1.3 Discretionary Nature
All determinations related to the Scam Protection Guarantee, including eligibility, claim approval, and payout amounts, are made by CardTrade in its sole discretion.
CardTrade reserves the right to deny any claim for any reason consistent with this policy.
2. Definition of a Scam
For purposes of the Scam Protection Guarantee, a “Scam” is defined as a transaction in which a user intentionally engages in fraudulent behavior resulting in the other party not receiving the agreed upon item or funds.
Scam Protection applies only to clear and verifiable cases of fraud, including intentional misrepresentation.
2.1 Covered Scenarios
Scam Protection may apply in situations including:
- A seller receives payment through CardTrade or in connection with a documented transaction but fails to ship the item
- A seller provides false shipment information or invalid tracking and no item is delivered
- A user intentionally misrepresents that an item has been shipped when it has not
- A user engages in verified fraudulent activity designed to deceive the other party and obtain funds or items
- A seller intentionally and materially misrepresents the identity, authenticity, or condition of an item in a way that is clearly inconsistent with the documented transaction details
2.2 Not Covered
Scam Protection does not apply to:
- Minor differences in condition, subjective grading differences, or reasonable interpretation of item condition
- Disputes over centering, surface wear, or other subjective quality factors
- Items that generally match the documented description but do not meet buyer expectations
- Shipping delays caused by carriers
- Damage occurring during shipping (covered under Shipping Protection, if eligible)
- Transactions that are not properly documented within CardTrade
- Situations where required platform steps were not followed
- Buyer's remorse or change of mind
- Transactions conducted partially or fully outside of CardTrade
2.3 Burden of Proof
Users submitting a claim must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a Scam has occurred.
CardTrade may require:
- Transaction records within the platform
- Shipment and tracking data
- Photos or videos clearly showing the discrepancy
- Communication history
- Any additional supporting documentation
CardTrade will rely primarily on information documented within the platform when evaluating claims. Communications or agreements made outside of CardTrade, including on social media, messaging platforms, or other external channels, may not be considered and may be disregarded at CardTrade's sole discretion.
Failure to provide adequate evidence may result in denial of the claim.
2.4 Coverage Applies to Buyers and Sellers
The Scam Protection Guarantee may apply to both buyers and sellers.
Covered scenarios may include, but are not limited to:
- A seller failing to deliver an item after receiving payment
- A buyer engaging in fraudulent activity, including unauthorized payment reversals or chargebacks after receiving an item
CardTrade will evaluate claims based on the specific facts and evidence of each case.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Scam Protection Guarantee, users must comply with all applicable requirements set forth by CardTrade.
Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in denial of a claim.
3.1 Required Platform Usage
To qualify for Scam Protection, the transaction must be properly conducted and documented within CardTrade.
This includes:
- Creating and completing a transaction using CardTrade's deal documentation features
- Accurately recording all material terms of the transaction within the platform
- Ensuring both parties are clearly identified within the transaction
Transactions that are not fully documented within CardTrade are not eligible for protection.
3.2 Compliance with Platform Rules
Users must comply with all CardTrade policies, including:
- Identity verification requirements
- One account per user policy
- Prohibited conduct rules
Any violation of these policies may result in loss of eligibility.
3.3 Use of Platform Features
While Protected Payment is not required, its use may:
- Improve the likelihood of claim approval
- Provide stronger evidence in the event of a dispute
- Enable additional protections or higher coverage limits
CardTrade may consider the use or non use of Protected Payment when evaluating claims.
3.4 Timely Reporting
Users must notify CardTrade of the issue and engage support within ten (10) days of:
- The expected delivery date, or
- The date the issue is discovered
Failure to report the issue within this timeframe may result in denial of the claim.
3.5 Good Faith Requirement
Users must act in good faith throughout the transaction.
CardTrade may deny claims where there is evidence of:
- Negligence
- Failure to follow basic transaction safeguards
- Participation in suspicious or high risk behavior
4. Claim Process
To initiate a claim under the Scam Protection Guarantee, users must follow the process outlined below.
Failure to follow this process may result in denial of the claim.
4.1 Good Faith Resolution Requirement
Before submitting a claim, users must make a good faith effort to resolve the issue directly with the other party.
This includes:
- Attempting to communicate through CardTrade
- Allowing a reasonable opportunity for the other party to respond and resolve the issue
4.2 Engagement with CardTrade Support
If the issue is not resolved directly between users, the user must contact CardTrade support for assistance.
CardTrade may:
- Review the transaction
- Request additional information
- Facilitate communication between parties
- Attempt to mediate a resolution
A formal claim may only be submitted if the issue cannot be resolved through this process.
4.3 Claim Submission Timing
Users must notify CardTrade of the issue and engage support within ten (10) days of:
- The expected delivery date, or
- The date the issue is discovered
Failure to report the issue within this timeframe may result in denial of the claim.
4.4 Claim Submission Requirements
To submit a claim, users must provide all requested information and documentation, which may include:
- Transaction details documented within CardTrade
- Shipment and tracking information
- Photos or videos
- Communication records within the platform
- Any other supporting evidence requested by CardTrade
Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may result in denial of the claim.
4.5 Platform Record Requirement
CardTrade relies on transaction details, communications, and documentation recorded within the platform when reviewing claims.
Users are responsible for ensuring that all material terms and relevant communications are documented within CardTrade.
CardTrade is not responsible for, and may disregard, any communications, agreements, or evidence that occur outside of the platform.
4.6 Cooperation Requirement
Users must fully cooperate with CardTrade throughout the claim process.
This includes:
- Providing requested information in a timely manner
- Responding to inquiries
- Participating in any required verification steps
Failure to cooperate may result in denial of the claim.
4.7 Law Enforcement Requirement
In cases of suspected fraud, CardTrade may require the user to file a report with law enforcement.
If requested, the user must:
- File a police report or equivalent report with the appropriate authority
- Provide documentation confirming the report has been filed
CardTrade may provide a Scam Package, which includes relevant transaction data and guidance on how and where to report the incident.
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of the claim.
5. Claim Review and Determination
Once a claim is submitted, CardTrade will review the information provided and determine whether the claim qualifies under the Scam Protection Guarantee.
5.1 Review Process
CardTrade may consider:
- Transaction details documented within the platform
- Shipment and tracking information
- Evidence submitted by the user
- Compliance with platform requirements and policies
- Any other relevant information available to CardTrade
CardTrade may request additional information or clarification during the review process.
5.2 Discretionary Determinations
All claim determinations are made by CardTrade in its sole discretion.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Whether a Scam has occurred
- Whether eligibility requirements have been met
- Whether a claim is approved or denied
- The amount of any payout, if applicable
CardTrade is not obligated to approve any claim or provide any reimbursement.
5.3 Payout Determination
If CardTrade elects to approve a claim, any payout amount will be determined in its sole discretion and may consider factors including:
- The value of the transaction
- The evidence provided
- The user's compliance with platform requirements
- Any applicable limits, caps, or program guidelines
Payouts may be partial and are not guaranteed to cover the full value of any transaction.
5.4 Final Decisions
All decisions made by CardTrade regarding claims are final.
CardTrade is not obligated to provide an appeal process or reconsideration of any determination.
5.5 Program Modifications
CardTrade reserves the right to modify, limit, suspend, or discontinue the Scam Protection Guarantee at any time, including changes to eligibility requirements, claim processes, or payout structures.