Identity Verification Expectations for Reviewers
What to expect during the identity verification process and why it's important for platform integrity.
Introduction
Identity verification is an essential part of maintaining trust and integrity on Your.Reviews. This document explains what to expect during the verification process and why it's important.
Why We Verify Identities
Identity verification helps us:
- Prevent fake accounts and fraudulent reviews
- Protect the integrity of our platform
- Ensure reviews come from real, verified users
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Build trust between reviewers, businesses, and consumers
Verification Requirements
Email Verification
All users must verify their email address:
- Required before you can log in to your account
- Verification email sent immediately after registration
- Verification link valid for 24 hours
- You can request a new verification email if the link expires
Mobile Verification
Mobile number verification is required before you can:
- Write your first review
- Add a business to your account
- Subscribe to a paid plan
Mobile verification process:
- 6-digit verification code sent via SMS
- Code valid for 10 minutes
- You can request a new code if needed
- Verification is a one-time process per mobile number
What Information We Collect
During verification, we collect:
- Email Address: For account verification and communications
- Mobile Number: For SMS verification
- Name: As displayed on your profile
- IP Address: For security and fraud prevention
How We Use Verification Information
We use verification information to:
- Confirm your identity and prevent fraud
- Send important account notifications
- Detect and prevent duplicate accounts
- Comply with legal requirements
- Maintain platform security
Privacy and Security
Data Protection
We protect your verification information:
- Email addresses are encrypted and stored securely
- Mobile numbers are hashed and stored securely
- We never share your verification information with third parties
- We comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations
What's Public vs. Private
Public: Your display name and profile information you choose to share
Private: Your email address, mobile number, and IP address are never made public
Verification Process
Step 1: Registration
When you register, you provide:
- Your name
- Email address
- Mobile number
- Password
Step 2: Email Verification
You receive a verification email with a link. Click the link to verify your email address. This must be completed before you can log in.
Step 3: Mobile Verification (When Required)
When you attempt to write your first review, add a business, or subscribe, you'll be prompted to verify your mobile number. Enter the 6-digit code sent via SMS.
Verification Issues
Email Not Received
If you don't receive the verification email:
- Check your spam or junk folder
- Verify you entered the correct email address
- Wait a few minutes and check again
- Request a new verification email from your account
- Contact support if issues persist
SMS Code Not Received
If you don't receive the SMS code:
- Verify you entered the correct mobile number
- Check that your mobile has signal
- Wait a few minutes and request a new code
- Ensure your mobile number can receive SMS messages
- Contact support if issues persist
Verification Link Expired
If your verification link expires:
- Email verification links are valid for 24 hours
- SMS codes are valid for 10 minutes
- You can request a new verification email or SMS code
- Contact support if you continue to experience issues
Account Security
Verification helps protect your account:
- Prevents unauthorized access to your account
- Helps recover your account if you forget your password
- Alerts you to suspicious account activity
- Ensures only you can make changes to your account
Multiple Accounts
We do not allow multiple accounts per person. If we detect duplicate accounts:
- We may merge or suspend duplicate accounts
- You may be asked to verify your identity
- Repeated violations may result in permanent suspension
Updating Verification Information
If you need to update your email address or mobile number:
- Go to your account settings
- Update your email or mobile number
- Complete the verification process for the new information
- Your old verification will be replaced once the new one is confirmed
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about identity verification or encounter issues during the process, please contact our support team at support [at] your.reviews.
