Frequently Asked Questions

Services & Scoring

What is PAS (Production Alignment Score)?

PAS™ evaluates how closely an item aligns with authentic production standards.

It measures:

• Materials

• Stitching and construction

• Hardware execution

• Finishing details

Each item is graded based on how it compares to verified authentic references.

A high PAS score indicates strong production alignment — not just appearance.

What is MIS (Market Intelligence Score)?

MIS™ evaluates the risk surrounding how an item is being sold.

It considers:

• Seller behaviour

• Listing quality and transparency

• Pricing alignment

• Market context

• Known fraud patterns

MIS helps identify risk — even when an item appears convincing.

Can an item score high on PAS but still be inauthentic?

Yes.

High-tier replicas can closely mimic authentic construction.

That’s why:

• PAS (how it’s made)
  and

• MIS (how it’s sold)

are assessed separately.

A strong product can still sit within a high-risk transaction.

Do you provide a final authenticity decision?

Yes.

Each assessment includes:

• A structured analysis

• Supporting findings

• A confidence percentage

• A final determination

However, results are always based on the evidence provided and the scope of the service selected.

What is Tier 1 (Market Intelligence Scan)?

A fast, high-level risk assessment.

Best for:

• Online listings

• Seller checks

• “Should I even consider this?” decisions

Includes MIS scoring only.

What is Tier 2 (Photo Authentication + PAS)?

A detailed photo-based assessment.

Includes:

• Authentication review

• PAS grading

• Optional MIS (if add-on selected)

Best for:

• Pre-purchase decisions

• Evaluating quality vs price

What is Tier 3 Physical Authentication?

An in-person, high-certainty authentication service for items requiring definitive verification.

Includes:

• Physical inspection and technical assessment

• Advanced verification methods (where applicable)

• Full PAS™ production grading

Best suited for:

• High-value items

• Disputes and claims

• Final confirmation prior to resale or purchase

Why might a result be inconclusive?

Some items require:

• Specific internal markers

• Physical inspection

• Model-specific references

In these cases, results may be inconclusive rather than forced.

Do you check receipts or certificates?

Yes — but as supporting evidence only.

Third-party certificates, receipts, and packaging:
Do NOT override technical or market findings

Can I upload photos for authentication?

Yes, you can upload clear photos of your item through our secure portal for expert review.

What photos do you need?

For best accuracy:

• Front

• Back

• Bottom & sides

• Hardware close-ups

• Zippers & pulls

• Care labels & washing tags

• Serial plate / chip sticker

• Stitching macro close-ups

• All logos / embossed elements

• Interior lining

• Packaging (dustbag, box, receipt)

• Seller screenshots

Good lighting is essential.

What platforms do you check?

All major resale and marketplace platforms:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Instagram sellers

• TikTok Shop

• eBay

• Depop

• Vestiaire

• Poshmark

• Carousell

• Gumtree

• Independent boutique websites

• Shopify stores

• Luxury consignment sites

If it’s online, we can check it.

How long does authentication take?

Can we assess the quality of a replica?

Yes — we can assess the visual quality of an item, even when it is suspected or known to be a replica.
However, we do not endorse, encourage or support the purchase of counterfeit goods. Our role is to educate, protect, and inform buyers so they can avoid financial loss and make safer decisions.

We may comment on craftsmanship (stitching, materials, fonts, construction) purely for educational and safety purposes.

Do you review for replica indicators?

Absolutely. Our purpose is to protect luxury buyers — so every Tier includes an assessment of counterfeit and replica-grade warning signs.

We do not endorse, rate, or assist with purchasing replicas.
However, we identify and report:

• Counterfeit construction behaviours

• Replica-grade materials (canvas, leather, tweed, hardware plating)

• Inconsistent stitching patterns and stitching tension

• Incorrect grain patterns

• Misaligned quilting or pattern placement

• Serial plate inconsistencies

• Incorrect font width, embossing depth, or stamping

• Incorrect hardware tone, weight, or finish

• Misaligned hardware mounts

• Incorrect lining material or weave irregularities

• Manufacturing behaviours not consistent with the brand’s standards

These insights are included to protect you from fraudulent listings — not to facilitate replica buying.

Our commitment is to provide a clear, honest, expert-backed assessment so you can make informed and confident luxury purchases.

Legal disclaimer: Verified by Anna does not endorse replica purchases. All replica-related insights exist solely to protect clients from fraudulent or counterfeit listings

How accurate are the reports?

Safe-Buy is a hybrid system combining:
✔ AI-powered pattern detection
✔ Visual comparison
✔ Metadata analysis
✔ Seller-behaviour profiling
✔ 30+ years of luxury expertise

Accuracy varies based on image quality and information available.

How will I receive my report or certificate?

All reports and certificates are delivered digitally via email to the address provided at checkout.

• Tier 1: Clients receive a written Listing Risk Review with MIS score.

• Tier 2: Clients receive a detailed Photo Authentication Report with PAS score.

Documents are provided in PDF format and are suitable for personal records, resale decision‑making, or dispute support (subject to third‑party acceptance).

Is this a “guaranteed” authentication?

Depending of your service tier, if we get it wrong, you are eliigble for a full refund subject t0 terms and conditions in the Refund Policy.

Tier 2 is an expert opinion-based production grading and authentication. It is not a full-financial guarantee, as with all remote, image-based authentication services, conclusions are limited to what is visible in the provided images and available information.

This approach reflects standard industry practice for photo-based authentication.

Depending on the selected tier, turnaround times commence after payment and sufficient evidence is provided. VBA will make every effort to communicate any delays ie. insufficient, blurry imagery or broken url.

Typical timeframes:

• Standard: 24–48 hours

• Priority: 2–12 hours (add-on)

Reports, Delivery & Turnaround Times

When does the assessment process begin?

The assessment process begins once payment is confirmed and all required information has been received.

For Tier 1, this is typically the listing link.
For Tier 2, this requires submission of the required photographic evidence.

Incomplete submissions may delay commencement.

What is the turnaround time?

Tier 1 – MIS Listing Risk Review

• Standard turnaround: within 2-24 hours

Tier 2 – PAS Photo Authentication Report

• Standard turnaround: within 6-24 hours

Turnaround times are calculated from the point at which all required materials are received, not from initial submission if information is incomplete.

Do you offer urgent or expedited reviews?

At this time, expedited or urgent services are not routinely offered. All assessments are completed within standard turnaround timeframes to ensure consistency, quality, and accuracy across all reviews.

In limited circumstances, urgent requests may be considered at our discretion and subject to availability. Requests of this nature must be submitted via email: info@verifiedbyanna.com and are not guaranteed.

Are turnaround times guaranteed?

Turnaround times are target timeframes, not guarantees. While most reports are delivered within the stated periods, delays may occur due to:

• Evidence quality or completeness

• Volume of submissions

• The complexity of the item under review

Any material delay will be communicated.

Will I be notified when my report is ready?

Yes. You will receive an email notification once your report or certificate has been completed and issued.

Please ensure you check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email within the stated timeframe.

What happens if my submission is missing information?

If required information or images are missing:

• You may be contacted to supply additional material, or

• The assessment may proceed with noted limitations, which could impact the outcome (including an Inconclusive result for Tier 2)

Payments & Processing

Payments and Processing

How do I pay?
Payments can be made securely via:

• Afterpay

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

• Credit Card

• Stripe

When do I pay?
Payment is required before the assessment begins.

How do I submit a request?

1. Sign up via the app or input name and email via Intake form

2. Select your tier

3. Submit the link/photos via our Intake/Upload Form

4. Make encrypted payment

5. Receive order confirmation

6. Your report is delivered via email

Turnaround Times

• Real-Time Link Check: within 2-24 hours

• Photo Authentication: within 6-24 hours

• Full Safe-Buy Report: up to 48 hours depending on complexity

Privacy & Security

Is my information secure?

Yes. We never share your submissions or personal details. Photos, links and conversations are kept confidential. Please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Do you store my reports?

Reports are securely archived for 90 days unless otherwise requested.

Other FAQ's

Can I use your report for buyer protection or disputes?
Yes — many clients use our reports to negotiate price, request additional photos, or support platform, PayPal and credit card claims.

Do you offer sourcing or personal shopping?
Yes — premium clients may request sourcing assistance. For sourcing requests please contact info@verifiedbyanna.com. Sourcing is commission structured - usually 10% of the purchase price or a flat fee depending on the brand, scarcity, production year amongst other factors.

Refund Policy

VBA - Verified By Anna Refund & Guarantee Policy
Effective Date: 1 January 2026

1. Overview & Scope

This policy explains when (and how) we issue refunds or guarantee claims. It applies to authentication services (Tier 1–3) provided via this website.

2. Australian Consumer Law (ACL) Compliance

• We comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). If a service we provide (link check, photo authentication, physical authentication) is faulty, misleading, or not delivered as described, you are entitled to remedies under ACL.

• This Policy does not limit consumer rights under ACL.

3.Do you offer refunds?

Refund eligibility depends on the service tier selected and is assessed in line with Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Nothing in our policy limits your rights under ACL.

Tier 1 — Listing Risk Review (MIS)

Are refunds available?
No. Tier 1 is an advisory, pre‑purchase risk review only and does not authenticate the physical item.

Once delivered, Tier 1 reports are not refundable, except where required under ACL.

Tier 2 — Photo Authentication (PAS)

What is covered?
Tier 2 provides an independent expert opinion based solely on the photographic evidence supplied at the time of review.

If a Tier 2 assessment is shown to be incorrect due to material error or oversight, you may request a refund of the Tier 2 authentication fee only.

What is not accepted as refund evidence?

Refund requests will not be accepted based solely on:

• Marketplace or platform authentication outcomes (e.g. Vestiaire, resale platforms)

• Automated or proprietary platform screening systems

• Outcomes based on different images, physical inspection, or additional materials not included in the original Tier 2 submission

Authentication platforms apply non‑transparent and variable criteria, which may differ from expert photo‑based assessment standards and therefore cannot be used to establish error.

What evidence is required for a Tier 2 refund?

To submit a Tier 2 refund request, you must:

• Have received an original Safe‑Buy Tier 2 Photo Authentication Report

• Submit your claim within 7 days of receiving the report

• Provide a written assessment from a qualified third‑party independent authenticator that:

  • Reached a contrary conclusion to VBA’s assessment

  • Relied on the exact same photographic evidence supplied in your Tier 2 submission

  • Clearly explains why the VBA assessment is incorrect based on observable execution, construction, or manufacturing indicators

Assessments based on physical inspection, additional images, or undisclosed reference criteria are not comparable and will not be accepted.

Scope of any approved refund

• Any approved Tier 2 refund is strictly limited to the authentication fee paid

• The purchase price of the item is never covered

• Tier 2 does not provide a financial or purchase guarantee

Why this standard applies

Tier 2 assessments are photo‑based expert opinions rendered under defined evidentiary constraints. Refunds are considered only where those same constraints demonstrably lead to an incorrect conclusion when evaluated by an independent expert using identical materials.

Tier 3 — Physical Authentication

Tier 3 is not yet launched.

Once available, it will offer a financial guarantee for select categories, subject to strict 3rd party terms and conditions, including physical inspection, surrender requirements if found counterfeit, and defined coverage periods. Full terms will be published prior to launch.

How do I submit a refund or guarantee claim?

Email info@verifiedbyanna.com with the subject line:
“Refund / Guarantee Claim”

Please include:

• A copy of your original Safe‑Buy Report

• Proof of purchase (receipt or payment confirmation)

• Timestamped photos or video of the item after delivery

• A brief explanation of your concern

• For Tier 2: independent authentication or marketplace evidence

Response times:

• We respond within 5 business days

• Approved refunds are issued within 10 business days to the original payment method

• Requests for additional information may extend timelines

When are refunds or guarantees not available?

Refunds or guarantees do not apply if:

• The item was purchased before receiving the Safe‑Buy Report (except Tier 3 once launched)

• The item has been altered, damaged, swapped, resold, or modified

• Seller communications admitted non‑authenticity prior to purchase

• Claims lack sufficient supporting evidence

• Fraudulent or misleading claims are suspected

For Tier 2, any approved refund is strictly limited to the authentication fee paid.

Do you offer refunds for change of mind?

No. Due to the nature of authentication services and digital reports, we do not offer refunds for change of mind or buyer’s remorse.

Refunds are available only in the circumstances outlined above or where required by law.

Can this policy change?

Yes. We may update this policy to reflect legal, operational, or business changes. The latest version will always be published on our website with an updated effective date.

Continued use of our services indicates acceptance of the current policy.

END OF POLICY