SOP #54 — "It's a verified marketplace listing, so it's safe" is wrong

SOP #54 — "It's a verified marketplace listing, so it's safe" is wrong

Myth: broker/marketplace verification means diligence is done. Correction: marketplace "verified" usually means traffic/revenue connectors were linked once — it is a starting point, not your due diligence. Re-verify independently:

1. Confirm what was verified — many badges only check a connected analytics account, not revenue legitimacy.
2. Re-pull live data yourself during inspection; the snapshot may be 60 days stale.
3. Run your own backlink and Wayback audit — marketplaces rarely check link toxicity.
4. Validate the revenue accounts by login, not the listing's summary numbers.
5. Read the marketplace's actual guarantee — most explicitly disclaim accuracy in the terms.

The badge moves the asset into your deal flow; it doesn't replace your checklist. Verify it like a private deal.

Save this — run it every deal.