Security and Trust on Startnext

Startnext combines rules, verification processes, technical security measures, and reporting channels to prevent fraud and abuse. Payments and verification are handled through Stripe. If a project, message, or funding offer seems suspicious to you, do not click on any links, do not open any attachments, do not share any sensitive information, and report the incident.

How does Startnext protect me and my project from fraud?

Startnext combines rules, checks, technical risk analyses, and reporting channels. While it is not possible to provide complete protection against every attempt at fraud, suspicious transactions are reviewed as part of our processes.

• All project creators agree to our Terms of Use, the Terms of Use for Project Creators, and the Startnext Guidelines.
• As part of our processes, projects are reviewed for compliance with our guidelines both before and after launch. In the event of violations, content may be restricted or removed.
• Before finalization and disbursement, payments and anomalies are reviewed and validated once again.
• Payment transactions are evaluated using internal and external fraud-scoring mechanisms.
• The verification required under anti-money laundering laws, also known as "Know Your Customer" (KYC), is carried out by our payment service provider, Stripe.
• Startnext records a valid mailing address for the project creators. Individuals and organizations launching commercial projects must also publish legal notice information on the project page.
• Users can report suspicious projects and potential violations. Startnext reviews these reports.

You can find the latest information on phishing on the Startnext Phishing Radar.

How can I spot a suspicious funding offer or a fake Startnext message?

An unsolicited financing offer may be a scam or spam, especially if the sender pressures you, asks for sensitive information, or demands money up front. Even messages that appear professional can be fake, because scammers imitate the design, tone, and names of real companies.

Pay special attention to these warning signs:

• From: Messages from Startnext come exclusively from email addresses ending in @startnext.com. Free email domains such as gmail.com and slightly modified domains are suspicious if the message claims to be from Startnext.
• Impersonal content: Genuine Startnext messages usually include your name and specific project details. Generic text, missing project details, or a missing signature are red flags.
• Unrealistic promises: Extremely large sums of money or quick approvals without prior review may be “too good to be true.”
• Pressure: Time pressure, threats, or demands to act immediately are typical signs of fraud.
• Unusual language: Unusual phrasing and numerous spelling or grammatical errors may indicate that the document is a forgery.
• Sensitive Information: Do not send copies of identification documents, credit card information, passwords, transaction numbers (such as TANs), or company documents to unknown senders.
• Contracts: Be wary if you receive unsolicited, pre-drafted contracts that you're simply asked to sign.
• Advance payment: Do not transfer money to cover alleged fees, insurance premiums, or transaction costs in order to receive a loan or investment.
• Unusual payment methods: Payments made via “PayPal to Friends and Family” or to unknown accounts are particularly suspicious.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious message?

Do not click on links, do not open attachments, do not reply, and do not share any sensitive information.

1. 1Check the sender's email address, the domain, and its exact spelling.
2. 2Do not click on any links, open any attachments, or call any numbers provided in the suspicious message.
3. 3Do not pay anything or send any personal, financial, or business documents.
4. 4If necessary, forward the message to [email protected] or use the Startnext contact form.
5. 5Check out the latest examples and tips on the Startnext Phishing Radar.

How do I report a project that may violate the law or Startnext's guidelines?

If you suspect a possible violation—for example, of copyright, trademark, or personal rights, or of the Startnext guidelines—you can report a project directly through its project page.

1. 1Open the relevant project page.
2. 2Scroll down to the footer or the bottom of the page and select “Report a violation.”
3. 3Please describe as specifically as possible what content is involved and why you consider it problematic.

The following are helpful:

• the link to the project page,
• the relevant section, such as text, an image, a video, a thank-you message, or an update,
• a brief explanation of the alleged violation of rules or laws,
• Additional links or screenshots, if applicable.

Startnext will review your report and may contact you if additional information is needed. The more specific your details are, the faster the issue can usually be resolved.

Is Startnext PCI-compliant or PCI-certified?

Startnext processes card payments through Stripe, a payment service provider certified to PCI DSS Level 1. This is the highest security level in the payment card industry.

Through its integration with Stripe, Startnext complies with PCI requirements for the secure processing of card payments. Card data is processed directly by Stripe and is not stored on Startnext's servers.