Effective Date: March 29, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Our Commitment to Trust and Safety

At BloomsCorp, we are dedicated to creating a secure, professional, and trustworthy environment on our Workeo platform. We believe that a safe marketplace is essential for productive collaborations between clients and freelancers. This Trust and Safety Policy outlines our standards, procedures, and expectations to ensure all users can confidently engage on our platform.

1.2 Scope of This Policy

This Trust and Safety Policy applies to all activities conducted on the Workeo platform, including but not limited to account creation, project posting, bidding, communication, project execution, payment processing, and dispute resolution. It establishes the guidelines and protections that govern our marketplace.

1.3 Universal Application

These policies apply equally to all Workeo users, regardless of role, location, or account status. Whether you’re a client seeking services, a freelancer offering skills, or alternating between both roles with our dual-account functionality, you are expected to adhere to these guidelines at all times. No exceptions will be made based on user status, project value, or tenure on the platform.

2. USER CONDUCT

2.1 Prohibited Behaviors

2.1.1 Fraud and Misrepresentation

• Providing false identity information
• Misrepresenting qualifications, skills, or experience
• Creating fake reviews or testimonials
• Manipulating platform metrics or rankings
• Operating multiple accounts to evade restrictions

2.1.2 Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct

• Threatening, abusive, or intimidating language
• Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
• Sexual harassment or unwelcome advances
• Sharing or requesting personal contact information to circumvent platform protections
• Pressure tactics or coercion

2.1.3 Spam and Solicitation

• Sending unsolicited promotional messages
• Posting identical project requests repeatedly
• Using automated tools to send messages or place bids
• Artificially inflating engagement metrics
• Off-platform solicitation

2.1.4 Platform Circumvention

• Attempting to complete transactions outside the Workeo platform
• Suggesting alternative payment methods to avoid platform fees
• Sharing contact information with the intent to continue work off-platform

2.2 Professional Communication Guidelines

2.2.1 Expected Communication Standards

• Clear, respectful, and professional language at all times
• Timely responses to messages, typically within 24-48 hours
• Transparent communication about project requirements, timelines, and deliverables
• Regular progress updates during project execution

2.2.2 Communication Best Practices

• Documenting all project-related agreements in writing through the platform
• Maintaining professional boundaries in all interactions
• Using Workeo’s messaging system for all project-related communication
• Setting clear expectations about availability and response times

2.3 Intellectual Property Rights

2.3.1 Respecting Copyright and IP

• Only upload or share content you have the right to use
• Obtain proper licenses for third-party assets used in projects
• Properly attribute sources when required
• Respect confidentiality agreements and NDAs

2.3.2 Transfer of Rights

• By default, clients receive full rights to commissioned work upon final payment, unless explicitly agreed otherwise
• Freelancers must transfer appropriate rights as specified in project agreements
• Templates for various IP agreements are available on the platform

2.3.3 Portfolio Usage

• Freelancers may request permission to use completed work in their portfolios
• Clients must explicitly grant permission through the platform
• Confidential projects must be respected as such

3. VERIFICATION AND SCREENING

3.1 User Verification Process

3.1.1 Identity Verification

• Email verification required for all accounts
• Phone number verification for enhanced security
• Government ID verification for access to premium features
• Address verification for certain payment thresholds
• Digital identity verification methods employed

3.1.2 Account Security Measures

• Two-factor authentication strongly encouraged
• Regular security checks and suspicious activity monitoring
• IP location tracking to identify unusual login attempts
• Secure password requirements and regular password updates

3.2 Freelancer Skills and Qualifications Assessment

3.2.1 Skill Verification Methods

• Skills tests available for common technical and professional areas
• Optional credential verification for degrees and certifications
• Portfolio review and showcasing capabilities
• Previous work history verification

3.2.2 Expertise Levels

• Clear definition of expertise levels (Entry, Intermediate, Expert)
• Criteria for advancement between levels
• Periodic reassessment of skill levels

3.2.3 Specialized Industry Credentials

• Verification process for industry-specific qualifications
• Special badges for verified specialized skills
• Third-party certification integration where applicable

3.3 Background Checks

3.3.1 Enhanced Verification Options

• Optional criminal background checks for certain service categories
• Professional reference checking services
• Business verification for agencies and teams
• Enhanced due diligence for enterprise-level engagements

3.3.2 Verification Badges

• Clear display of completed verification steps on profiles
• Timestamped verification status
• Explanation of verification processes to clients

4. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

4.1 Dispute Resolution Process

4.1.1 Direct Resolution

• Parties are encouraged to resolve issues directly through platform messaging
• Clear communication of concerns with specific examples
• Proposed solutions and compromises
• Documentation of all agreement modifications

4.1.2 Mediation Process

• Either party may request Workeo mediation if direct resolution fails
• Submission of evidence and explanations from both parties
• Review by trained Workeo dispute specialists
• Structured mediation to reach mutually acceptable solutions

4.1.3 Final Resolution

• Binding decisions when necessary based on contract terms and platform policies
• Clear explanation of resolution decisions
• Implementation of resolution actions (refunds, partial payments, etc.)
• Post-resolution feedback collection

4.2 Workeo’s Role in Mediation

4.2.1 Neutrality Commitment

• Impartial evaluation of all disputes
• Decision-making based on evidence and platform policies
• No favoritism toward clients or freelancers
• Transparency in the mediation process

4.2.2 Mediation Team Qualifications

• Trained dispute resolution specialists
• Knowledge of industry-specific considerations
• Regular review of decision quality and consistency
• Specialized expertise for complex technical disputes

4.2.3 Resolution Timeframes

• Acknowledgment of disputes within 24 hours
• Initial review completed within 3 business days
• Resolution target of 7 business days for standard disputes
• Expedited process available for time-sensitive situations

4.3 Payment Disputes

4.3.1 Milestone Payment System

• Explanation of escrow-based milestone payments
• Release conditions and verification requirements
• Automatic and manual release options
• Payment hold procedures during disputes

4.3.2 Refund Policies

• Conditions under which full or partial refunds may be issued
• Documentation requirements for refund requests
• Timeframes for refund processing
• Platform fee handling in refund situations

4.3.3 Non-Payment Issues

• Processes for addressing client non-payment
• Freelancer non-delivery resolution steps
• Contract abandonment procedures
• Late payment penalties and enforcement

5. REPORTING AND ENFORCEMENT

5.1 Reporting Violations

5.1.1 Reporting Mechanisms

• In-platform reporting buttons for direct reporting
• Detailed reporting forms for comprehensive concerns
• Urgent reporting channels for serious violations
• Documentation and evidence submission guidelines

5.1.2 Reportable Issues

• Clear examples of violations that should be reported
• Categorization of violation severity
• Privacy protection for reporters
• Follow-up and status update procedures

5.1.3 False Reporting

• Prohibition against malicious or retaliatory reporting
• Consequences for knowingly false reports
• Verification procedures to prevent abuse of reporting systems

5.2 Consequences of Policy Violations

5.2.1 Progressive Enforcement

• Warning system for minor or first-time violations
• Temporary restrictions for repeated minor violations
• Account suspension for serious violations
• Permanent platform ban for the most severe violations

5.2.2 Enforcement Factors

• Severity of the violation
• History of previous violations
• User responsiveness to warnings
• Impact on other users or the platform
• Evidence of intentional misconduct

5.2.3 Notification Process

• Clear communication of violation and specific policy reference
• Explanation of evidence considered
• Outline of consequences and duration
• Required remediation steps if applicable

5.3 Appeals Process

5.3.1 Appeal Eligibility

• Timeframe for submitting appeals (typically 14 days)
• Required information for appeal consideration
• Circumstances under which appeals will be considered
• One-time appeal policy for most decisions

5.3.2 Appeal Review Process

• Review by different team members than original decision
• Additional evidence consideration
• Thorough reassessment of the case
• Timeline for appeal decisions

5.3.3 Final Decisions

• Binding nature of appeal outcomes
• Potential for conditional reinstatement
• Probationary periods following successful appeals
• Documentation of appeal outcomes

6. PAYMENT SECURITY

6.1 Secure Payment Processing

6.1.1 Payment Methods

• Supported payment methods and their security features
• Encryption and data protection standards
• PCI DSS compliance
• Tokenization of payment information

6.1.2 Escrow System

• How milestone-based payments protect both parties
• Fund verification before project commencement
• Release conditions and verification requirements
• Dispute protection through held funds

6.1.3 Payment Processing Partners

• Due diligence in selecting payment partners
• Regular security assessments of payment systems
• Multi-layered fraud detection systems
• International payment security considerations

6.2 Fraud Prevention

6.2.1 Transaction Monitoring

• Automated systems to detect unusual payment patterns
• Manual review of flagged transactions
• Velocity checks and amount thresholds
• Device fingerprinting for suspicious activity

6.2.2 Verification Requirements

• Additional verification for high-value transactions
• Graduated verification based on user history
• Risk-based authentication challenges
• Confirmation steps for unusual transaction patterns

6.2.3 Client and Freelancer Protections

• Upfront deposit requirements for new clients
• Payment verification before work commencement
• Work verification before final payment release
• Protection against chargeback fraud

7. REVIEW AND RATING SYSTEM

7.1 Review System Functionality

7.1.1 Review Process

• Two-way review system between clients and freelancers
• Required completion of projects before reviews
• Specific criteria ratings (communication, quality, etc.)
• Written feedback options
• Timeframe for submitting reviews

7.1.2 Rating Calculations

• Explanation of star rating system (1-5 scale)
• Weighted factors in overall ratings
• Calculation methods for displayed averages
• Minimum completed projects for public ratings

7.1.3 Review Visibility

• Public versus private feedback components
• Delayed publishing until both parties review
• Historical review archives and trends
• Impact of reviews on search ranking and visibility

7.2 Review Integrity

7.2.1 Prohibited Review Practices

• Ban on incentivized reviews
• Prohibition of review manipulation
• Restrictions on family/friend reviews
• Policy against retaliatory negative reviews

7.2.2 Review Moderation

• Process for flagging inappropriate reviews
• Content guidelines for acceptable reviews
• Human moderation of flagged content
• Criteria for review removal

7.2.3 Response Capabilities

• Public response options for received reviews
• Professionalism requirements for responses
• Update capabilities when issues are resolved
• Historical preservation of original reviews

7.3 Trust Metrics

7.3.1 Trust Indicators

• Completion rate calculation and importance
• On-time delivery metrics
• Communication responsiveness scores
• Client satisfaction percentages
• Repeat client statistics

7.3.2 Badges and Recognition

• Performance-based recognition system
• Long-term reliability indicators
• Specialist expertise badges
• Top-rated status requirements and benefits

8. SAFETY MEASURES

8.1 User Safety Tips

8.1.1 Client Safety Guidelines

• Due diligence in freelancer selection
• Clear project scope documentation
• Milestone-based payment recommendations
• Communication best practices
• Red flags to watch for in proposals

8.1.2 Freelancer Safety Guidelines

• Client history assessment
• Contract clarity requirements
• Payment milestone structuring
• Intellectual property protection tips
• Warning signs of problem clients

8.1.3 General Platform Safety

• Password security and account protection
• Privacy settings management
• Information sharing limitations
• Safe file sharing practices
• Regular security check reminders

8.2 Scam Protection

8.2.1 Common Scam Awareness

• Descriptions of typical marketplace scams
• Warning signs of fraudulent behavior
• Too-good-to-be-true offer recognition
• Urgency and pressure tactic awareness
• Documentation of actual scam examples

8.2.2 Preventative Measures

• Verification requirements to prevent scams
• Platform payment protection emphasis
• Communication restrictions for new users
• Progressive trust building for new accounts
• Project value limits for new users

8.2.3 Scam Response

• Immediate reporting procedures
• Account freezing in suspicious situations
• Law enforcement coordination for serious fraud
• Reimbursement policies for victims of verified scams
• Platform-wide alerts for emerging scam patterns

By using Workeo services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Trust and Safety Policy. We encourage all users to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to maintain a positive and productive environment for all community members.

BloomsCorp reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Users will be notified of significant changes through the platform and/or email.

BloomsCorp (Workeo)

www.bloomscorp.one

[email protected]

Safety Hotline: (+237) 242 068 968