Methodology
How ProofReports works
Our ProofScore is a 0–100 rating calculated from 7 independent data sources. Each source contributes a weighted portion of the final score.
The 7 data sources
State Registration
We check every U.S. Secretary of State database to verify the business is legally registered and in good standing.
Business Age
Established businesses (5+ years) score higher. Newer businesses aren't penalized — just weighted accordingly.
Google Reviews
Star rating and review volume from Google Business Profile. High ratings with many reviews signal trustworthiness.
Domain Age & WHOIS
Domain registration date and registrar data. A brand-new domain for a company claiming 10+ years is a red flag.
BBB Rating
Better Business Bureau grade (A+ to F), accreditation status, and complaint history over the past 36 months.
Website Quality
SSL certificate, contact page, privacy policy, physical address, phone number, and overall site legitimacy.
Social Media Presence
Active presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or X. Not having social media is marked down slightly.
ProofScore levels
80–100
High Trust
Verified, well-established, no red flags.
60–79
Moderate
Generally reliable with minor concerns.
40–59
Low Trust
Proceed with caution; verify independently.
0–39
Caution
Multiple red flags detected.
ProofReports is not affiliated with the BBB, Google, or any government agency. All data is sourced from publicly available records. Scores reflect automated analysis and should be used as one factor in your due diligence, not as the sole basis for any business decision. Full disclaimer.