6 Minute Read
How To Research A Business Before You Trust It
A step-by-step checklist for identity, operating history, website, public presence, reviews and public records.
Read guideClear, practical guides to help you research businesses, understand reviews, spot warning signs, protect your money, resolve problems and know what to do when something feels wrong.
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No complicated legal language. Just practical consumer guidance organised around real situations.
What to verify before you trust a company, website or salesperson.
Explore guidesSafer payment practices, beneficiary checks, refund issues and payment red flags.
Explore guidesHow to read reviews critically, identify patterns and understand business responses.
Explore guidesCommon warning signs, impersonation tricks and suspicious sales behaviour.
Explore guidesHow to document an issue, contact the business and escalate responsibly.
Explore guidesDomain checks, fake websites, suspicious links and impersonation risks.
Explore guidesExtra checks when paying large advances for future services.
Explore guidesWhere to report, what evidence to save and when to seek professional help.
Explore guidesFeatured Consumer Guide
Essential Guide
A polished website and confident salesperson are not enough. Before paying a significant amount, pause and verify who you are dealing with and where your money is going.
Match the domain, legal name, contact details and payment instructions before you rely on the site.
Read guideSudden changes to beneficiary details should be independently reconfirmed through official channels.
Read guidePopular Guides
All examples below are ready as content directions for individual CFA guide pages.
6 Minute Read
A step-by-step checklist for identity, operating history, website, public presence, reviews and public records.
Read guide
5 Minute Read
Look beyond averages. Learn to spot patterns, context, business replies and unusually repetitive wording.
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5 Minute Read
What to check on the invoice, beneficiary name, account details and official business channels.
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7 Minute Read
Organise dates, payments, written commitments, screenshots and your requested resolution before you escalate.
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4 Minute Read
Pressure to pay immediately, guaranteed outcomes, unexplained beneficiary changes and other common red flags.
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6 Minute Read
Learn how fake websites, WhatsApp numbers, social accounts and payment requests imitate real businesses.
Read guideVerify Before You Trust
A simple CFA habit for any transaction where you are paying in advance or relying on a business to deliver something later.
Open full checklistScam Warning Signs
Scams often work by reducing the amount of time a consumer has to think, verify and ask questions. Pressure itself can be a useful warning signal.
When Something Goes Wrong
A strong complaint is easier to understand when it separates what happened, what evidence exists and what resolution you are requesting.
Write down the key dates, commitments, payments and events in order.
Learn howKeep agreements, invoices, receipts, screenshots, emails and official correspondence.
Learn howState clearly what you want the business to do and provide a reasonable response window.
Learn howUse CFA, relevant regulators, payment providers or professional help when appropriate.
Learn howMore Consumer Resources
Read reviews, complaints, responses and available CFA trust information.
Search companiesShare a genuine experience and help other consumers make more informed decisions.
Write a reviewSubmit information about suspected scams, impersonation or fraudulent activity.
Report nowFind answers about CFA reviews, disputes, accounts, reporting and platform processes.
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