Trust & safety
Badges show only what was checked
Media does not vet beyond the checks listed on each profile. Every badge names its source and the date it was checked; anything self-reported is shown as "on file, unverified".
Trust tiers
| Tier | Price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Basic · unverified | Free | Listed and searchable. No checks completed. |
| Verified · identity checked | Free | Identity checked through Stripe Identity. |
| Pro · checks listed on profile | Free | Identity plus the market's required license, insurance or background checks. |
Checks we can run
- Identity: government ID and selfie through Stripe Identity.
- License: number matched against the state's public registry where one is published (TX, WA, NY today), with a link to the registry.
- Insurance: certificate uploaded by the seller, checked by our team, with expiry reminders at 60, 30 and 7 days.
- Background check: Checkr, paid by the seller with their FCRA consent. Not enabled until the Checkr account is live; no badge is shown before then.
Important for this market
- Media lists independent photographers, videographers and drone pilots. Drone work is listed only for pilots whose FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate (number and expiry) was matched in the FAA registry.
- Money is held in escrow and released only after the deliverables are uploaded and pass automated checks (count, size, sharpness, exposure); the automated check is not a quality guarantee and you still confirm. Reviews come only from completed bookings; reviews a photographer imports from their own records are labelled.
- Photographers keep ownership of their work unless the booking states a licence or assignment in writing.
Payments and disputes
Payments run through Stripe Connect. If something goes wrong, open a dispute; see the refund policy. Report a listing or copyright problem through the DMCA page or support@eliteaiempire.com. In an emergency call 911.