Dispute Resolution - FAQs

FAQ's

Important Dispute Resolution Definitions Members Should Know: 

May 2026 Dispute Resolution Rules Clarifications

Who is allowed to post in the Dispute Resolution section?

Any member who has had a genuine issue with a seller or buyer on BlackHatWorld may submit a dispute. 

Dispute Resolution threads MUST comply with the Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures set out here: https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/dispute-resolution-rules-procedures.1246633/

What’s new with the Dispute Resolution process?

- All disputes must be submitted through the official Dispute Resolution Form. Submitting a dispute without using the form is no longer possible.

- After submitting the DR form, your thread may be hidden while staff review it. Please do not submit the same dispute multiple times. If you need to add evidence, reply to the automatic DM and the Community Team will assist.

Important Rule Changes: 

• The Accuser (person putting in the Dispute) must have 2FA (2 factor authentication) enabled
• All communication must stay on the forum for the duration of the dispute
• Once the accused agrees to a resolution, the assigned Staff will take the conversation to DMs
• If the agreed resolution is a refund, the refund MUST be made to the original payment method provided in the proof of transaction 
• Date/time proof of money leaving the buyer's account and going to the accused, ideally matching payment details provided by the seller. 
• Proof of payment must show that money left your account/wallet and went to the accused. It should include the date/time, amount, recipient details, and payment method. Screenshots only saying "payment sent" are not enough.
• DR requires meaningful BHW interaction, not just off-site contact. 

• The seller must be upgraded and allowed to sell where the sale happened.

• Proof of payment must be proper date-stamped payment proof.
  

• DMing the accused, informing them, and waiting 24 hours is mandatory.
  

• 2FA must remain enabled throughout the DR.
  

• Duplicate submissions should not be made because DRs are hidden during review.

You can read more about these rule changes here: https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/april-2026-update-to-the-dispute-resolution-rules.1808500/

I can't send a DM to notify the seller of the dispute - what should I do?

If you're unable to send a DM due to account restrictions, e.g., you have a post count of less than 15, you have a few options:

- Engage on the forum; it doesn't take too long to build up to 15 posts

- Indicate "No" on the DM question in the form and explain why

- Contact Support and ask for help in starting the DM

Failure to meet this step will delay or prevent your dispute from being accepted, and a warning may be issued if you ignore this requirement.

What does "interaction started on BHW" mean? 

There must be meaningful communication between the buyer and seller on BlackHat World before the dispute can proceed. This could be in a sales thread, WTB/HAF thread, DM, or another valid forum location. Simply finding someone's off-site contact details and then completing everything elsewhere may not be enough.

What happens after I submit a dispute?

Once your form is successfully submitted:

- It will go into moderation, where a Dispute Resolution staff member will review it.

- You will receive a Direct Message with follow-up details or questions.

- If any information is missing, you can respond to that DM.

- Dispute Resolution threads must comply with the rules linked above. 

Threads that are vague, lack evidence, or don't follow the required process will be rejected or delayed. 

I paid a seller but haven’t heard back. Should I open a dispute?

You must attempt all reasonable forms of resolution before posting a thread in this section. This includes diligently exhausting all forms of contact available, waiting 24 hours at a minimum, and informing the other party of your intention to submit a Dispute Resolution thread. 

Why am I in the Dispute Resolution section?

If you are found to be scamming forum members or lying about products, reviews, testimonials, earnings, etc., you may find yourself in the "Dispute Resolution" section as an accused party.

Can I report a scam that happened on another website?

Threads in this section may only pertain to businesses that began on BlackHat World. This includes the Marketplace, Want to Buy, and Hire a Freelancer sections, and direct messages. Transactions that began outside the forum, including other websites, Telegram, WhatsApp, and other forums, will not be covered by Dispute Resolution. 

My issue is resolved. How do I cancel my dispute thread?

Please submit a ticket to Support, who will assist further.

How do I get myself or a product out of the Dispute Resolution section?

If you or your product is the subject of a dispute resolution thread, you must reply to the dispute within the timescale provided and explain your story. As explained in the rules for this section, as the accused, you will have 24 hours to respond and may be prohibited from engaging in other activities on the forum while we wait for your first response.

An Administrator or Moderator will make a commercially reasonable effort to contact the parties involved, resulting in one of two things: either your product will stay in our Marketplace, or you will be banned from the forum.

If I get scammed, does BlackHat World compensate me?

No. It's up to the buyer to do their research, carry out due diligence, and use common sense when buying online. 

For useful tips, please read our Newbie Guide thread: [Guide] How To Buy | BlackHat World. Tips for researching a seller on BlackHat World can be found here: Researching Black Hat World Sellers | BlackHat World

• Buying from non-upgraded members.
• Making sales requests outside of the WTB/HAF sections
• The seller must have been an upgraded BHW member at the time of the sale and must have been selling in a section where their membership allowed them to sell.

Be sure to follow the BlackHat World Terms of Service at all times.