Trust & Safety

How iDharma protects you.

Trust isn't a feature. It's the product.

Every consultant verified. Every dollar in escrow. Every dispute resolved on a clock.

Updated May 11, 2026
TL;DR

iDharma protects buyers and consultants through four mechanisms: rigorous identity verification, escrow for every payment, fast dispute resolution with binding arbitration as a backstop, and a published Code of Ethics with revocable status. We publish our verification methodology openly, hold no buyer funds outside escrow, and resolve disputes on a 7-business-day clock. Report concerns to trust@idharma.us.

The protection model

Four pillars hold this marketplace up.

None of them is optional. Each one is enforced before a consultant lists, before a buyer pays, and after work begins.

01

Identity verified.

Every consultant and consultancy on iDharma passes government-ID verification, sanctions screening (OFAC, EU, UN), and reference checks. The full methodology is public — see /methodology.

02

Money protected.

All marketplace payments flow through escrow via Stripe Connect. Consultants paid when milestones accepted. Buyers refunded if work isn't delivered. iDharma never holds your funds directly.

03

Disputes resolved fast.

Direct resolution attempt → iDharma mediation within 7 business days → JAMS binding arbitration in Indianapolis if needed. Class action waivers in place. Most disputes close in under two weeks.

04

Conduct standards public.

Every consultant signs the iDharma Code of Ethics — honesty, confidentiality, competence, client interest, ethical AI. Violations result in badge revocation. The code is published in full.

Trust signals

The numbers behind the promises.

100

of consultants pass identity verification before listing

0

buyer funds ever held outside Stripe Connect escrow

7 days

median time to mediation resolution

Q3 2026

SOC 2 readiness target (in progress)

Verification

How verification works.

Five criteria. Five days. No shortcuts.

We publish the full methodology so buyers can audit it and consultants can prepare. Verification isn't a paywall — it's a floor.

  1. Government-ID identity check — Stripe Identity plus OFAC, EU and UN sanctions screening.

  2. Three-plus years AI work history verified against employer records and public attestations.

  3. Two client references contacted via a standardized survey — never paid testimonials.

  4. One published case study reviewed for technical depth and outcome honesty.

  5. Signed Code of Ethics on file before the listing goes live.

Money protection

How your money is protected.

Buyer funds enter Stripe Connect escrow on project acceptance. The consultant works. Milestones are submitted. The buyer approves. Funds release to the consultant — iDharma's commission deducted at release. If something is wrong, the buyer can dispute before release. iDharma never touches the money directly.

Pay Buyer funds
Escrow Stripe Connect
Work Milestones
Approve Buyer sign-off
Release Funds to consultant
Dispute resolution

How disputes are resolved.

A predictable path with a clock on every stage.

Most disputes resolve in the first stage — direct conversation. The remaining stages exist so neither party is ever stuck.

  1. Day 1 — 14

    Direct resolution

    Good-faith negotiation between the parties. Most disputes close here. iDharma is available to clarify terms but does not impose a position.

  2. Day 14 — 21

    iDharma mediation

    We review the evidence on both sides and propose a non-binding resolution within 7 business days. The parties can accept, reject, or modify.

  3. Day 21+

    JAMS binding arbitration

    Administered by JAMS in Indianapolis, Indiana. Class action waived per the Terms of Use. The arbitrator's decision is final and enforceable.

Conduct

The Code of Ethics every consultant signs.

Five commitments. Public, enforceable, and revocable.

Honesty

Represent capabilities, experience, and timelines truthfully.

Confidentiality

Protect client data and information per NDA.

Competence

Decline work outside demonstrated expertise; refer when appropriate.

Client interest

Recommend the right solution even when it costs the consultant a sale.

Ethical AI

Refuse to build systems intended to deceive, manipulate vulnerable populations, or violate human rights.

Read full Code of Ethics
Speak up

Report a concern.

Two clear paths. Both monitored. Both confidential by default.

Trust & Safety concerns

Consultant misconduct, buyer harassment, fraud, fake reviews, impersonation, or any behavior that violates the Code of Ethics.

  • Names and iDharma profile links
  • Dates, screenshots, and message excerpts
  • What outcome you're hoping for
Email trust@idharma.us

Security vulnerabilities

Bugs, exploits, data exposure, account takeover paths, or anything that could compromise buyers, consultants, or the platform.

  • Reproduction steps and impact
  • Affected endpoints or surfaces
  • Whether you'd like public credit
Email security@idharma.us
Responsible disclosure

Security researchers welcome.

iDharma operates a responsible disclosure program. Report vulnerabilities to security@idharma.us. We commit to acknowledging within 48 hours, fixing within agreed timelines, and crediting researchers (with consent) in our Security Updates page. 30-day window before public disclosure. No legal action against good-faith research.

Read full Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
48 hours to acknowledge every report.
Fix windows agreed in writing per severity.
Public credit on our Security Updates page, with consent.
30-day window before public disclosure.
Safe harbor for good-faith research.