Verification Request Overview
The Canadian Consumer Verification & Safety Bureau (CCVSB) provides independent, fee-based verification and assessment services to assist consumers in making informed decisions before engaging with a business, contractor, or online seller.
This page outlines how the CCVSB verification process works, what information is required, and what consumers can expect once a request is submitted.
Purpose of Verification
A CCVSB verification request initiates a structured review of publicly available records, business-provided documentation, and relevant risk indicators associated with a specific business or seller.
Verification is intended to:
-
Identify potential risk indicators or inconsistencies
-
Confirm the presence of basic business legitimacy markers
-
Assess transparency, operational history, and consumer-facing representations
-
Support informed consumer decision-making
Verification does not constitute government approval, licensing, or endorsement.
What CCVSB Will Review
Depending on the verification type selected, CCVSB may review:
-
Business identity and operating name consistency
-
Public registration and jurisdictional records (where available)
-
Online presence and consumer-facing representations
-
Reported business practices and transparency indicators
-
Submitted documentation relevant to the request
-
Known risk patterns associated with the industry or transaction type
The scope of each verification is limited to the information reasonably available at the time of assessment.
What CCVSB Does Not Do
To ensure neutrality and legal compliance, CCVSB does not:
-
Guarantee the performance, honesty, or future conduct of any business
-
Provide legal advice or dispute resolution services
-
Replace government regulators or law enforcement
-
Issue enforcement actions or penalties
-
Investigate criminal activity
-
Access private or confidential government databases
Verification outcomes reflect findings at the time of review only.
Verification Request Process
Request Initiation
Information Submission
Case Assignment
Assessment Review
Result Delivery
You will select the appropriate verification category and submit the applicable fee.
After payment, you will be prompted to provide details about the business or seller to be assessed.
A unique CCVSB case reference number will be issued upon submission.
CCVSB conducts an independent review based on the scope selected.
Verification findings are issued upon completion, subject to the stated processing timeframe.
Processing Timeframes
Processing times vary based on request type, document completeness, and volume.
Typical processing windows:
-
Standard verifications: within 3 business days
-
Complex or document-dependent cases: additional time may be required
Timeframes are estimates and not guaranteed.
Fees & Payment
Verification requests are subject to a non-refundable processing fee.
Fees cover administrative review, assessment time, and report preparation.
Payment is required before a verification request is submitted
Required Information
To proceed, you should be prepared to provide:
-
Business or seller name
-
Website, marketplace listing, or contact information
-
Jurisdiction or province
-
Transaction context or reason for verification
-
Supporting documents or screenshots (if applicable)
Incomplete submissions may delay processing.
Consent & Acknowledgement
By proceeding, you acknowledge that:
-
You understand the scope and limitations of CCVSB verification services
-
You consent to the review of submitted and publicly available information
-
You accept that CCVSB does not guarantee outcomes or future conduct