Trust and verification
Here's exactly what “verified” means on LokalMatch, what it doesn't mean, and what you can do if something doesn't look right.
On this page
What “verified” means in Canada
Verification on LokalMatch comes in levels. Not every pro has completed every check, so each profile shows which checks were done and when.
Licensing in Canada is set by each province and territory, so the licence we check depends on the trade and where the work is. Each check names the register, issuing body or insurer we checked it against and the date we did it, and it comes off the profile by itself when the licence or policy expires, or when it's due to be checked again.
- Contact details verified: the pro confirmed their email address and phone number.
- Business registration checked: we looked the business up on the register that holds it, such as Corporations Canada for federal corporations, the Ontario Business Registry or OrgBook BC.
- Licence checked: where the province licenses the trade and the pro gave us a licence number, we checked it on the regulator's own register — for example the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) for contractors in Québec, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) or the TSSA in Ontario, or Technical Safety BC.
- Insurance checked: where the work calls for it and the pro gave us proof, we reviewed their liability insurance.
What verification doesn't cover
Verification tells you that certain details were checked on a certain date. It is not a guarantee of workmanship, pricing or conduct, and licences or insurance can expire or change after we check them.
LokalMatch doesn't perform the work. Your agreement is with the pro you hire, so it's worth doing your own checks before you sign anything.
Reporting a pro or a review
If a profile looks wrong, a pro acts dishonestly or a review seems fake, use the report link on the profile or review, or write to trust@lokalmatch.com. Tell us what happened and include any details that help us look into it.
We review every report. Depending on what we find, we may ask for more information, correct a profile, remove content or suspend an account.
How we protect the marketplace
- We look for signs of fraud, such as fake contact details or unusual account activity.
- We detect duplicate provider profiles and duplicate requests.
- We moderate reviews and act on reports from homeowners and pros.
- We suspend pros who break our rules, misrepresent their business or put homeowners at risk.
Tips before you hire
- Get the quote, the scope of work and the timeline in writing before work starts.
- Check licences and insurance yourself with the issuing body or the insurer, especially for regulated work.
- Ask whether permits are needed and who will get them.
- Avoid paying a large amount upfront, and be cautious about paying in cash.
- Ask for references or photos of similar jobs.
- Keep a record of payments and of any changes to the job.
Check a contractor yourself
- Look up the licence on the provincial register — in Québec, the RBQ's licence search, where you can also check that the licence classes cover your job.
- Ask for a workers' compensation clearance certificate — from the CNESST in Québec, the WSIB in Ontario, WorkSafeBC in British Columbia or your province's board — so you aren't left responsible if a worker is hurt on your property.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance before work starts.
- Check the GST/HST number on the quote. A business that charges GST/HST must be registered for it, and you can confirm a number in the Canada Revenue Agency's GST/HST registry.
Last reviewed September 28, 2026