Older articles, page 3
Brand Name vs. Legal Entity: Why They Don't Match
The storefront name and the registry name are often different things on purpose. A glossary of DBAs, franchise structures, and how to connect brand to entity.
What a UCC Lien Says About a Contractor's Finances
UCC filings show liens against a contractor's equipment or receivables. Learn what's normal, what signals distress, and how to search records yourself.
How to Verify a Contractor Before You Hire
Learn how to verify Contractor Before You Hire using public records and a 17-check ProofScore before you hire or pay. Backed by 17 public-record verification
The 10-Minute Habit Before You Pay Anyone $500+
A memorable, repeatable routine for verifying a business before any payment over $500 - four named steps that take about ten minutes total.
HVAC Repair Scams: Check the Company Before They're Inside
Scare-tactic HVAC diagnostics are common. Learn the second-opinion rule, how to check a technician's license, and how to spot parts-warranty games.
Secretary of State Search: Read the Results Right
Learn to read Secretary of State business search results correctly: entity status, registered agents, foreign qualification, and formation-date red flags.
BBB Rating vs. State License: Which Protects You?
A BBB grade and a state license protect you in different ways. See what each actually guarantees, which matters more, and how to read a BBB profile correctly.
When to Refresh a Business Report
Learn how to verify When to Refresh a Business Report using public records and a 17-check ProofScore before you hire or pay. Backed by 17 public-record
How Domain Age Helps Verify a Business
Domain registration age can confirm or contradict a business's claimed history. Learn how to check it with ICANN and what the result actually means.
BBB Rating vs. Google Reviews: Which Matters?
BBB ratings and Google reviews measure different things. Learn what each one actually tracks, how they can be gamed, and how to combine them.
What Is a ProofScore and How Is It Calculated?
A ProofScore is a 0-100 trust rating built from state registration, domain age, BBB, and Google data. See exactly how each category is weighted.
10 Signs a Business Is Running a Scam
Ten warning signs a business may be a scam - pressure tactics, mismatched details, unlicensed work, and more - before you hire, pay, or share data.