1. Purpose
This Acceptable Use Policy describes the businesses, products, and activities that may not use the Forte payment platform. It applies in addition to the rules of our payment processor, Stripe Inc., the card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and applicable law. Where the rules differ, the strictest applies.
We may update this list as risk, regulation, or processor policy changes. Material updates are communicated by email at least 30 days in advance.
2. Restricted businesses and activities
The following are not permitted on Forte. The list is illustrative, not exhaustive.
Financial and legal
- Money services businesses (currency exchange, money transmission, check cashing).
- Cryptocurrency exchanges, ATMs, and mining operations.
- Credit-repair, credit-counseling, debt-consolidation, and debt-collection services.
- Get-rich-quick schemes, multi-level marketing, and pyramid sales.
- Investment services, securities, and brokerage activity.
- Bail bonds and collection agencies.
Regulated goods
- Firearms, ammunition, gun parts, and weapons.
- Cannabis, CBD, kratom, kava, and any substance whose legality varies by jurisdiction.
- Tobacco, vaping, e-cigarettes, and nicotine products.
- Pharmaceuticals (over-the-counter or prescription) sold without a licensed pharmacy partner.
- Alcohol sales without proof of state alcoholic-beverage license.
Adult content and services
- Pornography, adult cam services, and adult subscription content.
- Escort services and dating services that involve compensation for companionship.
- Sex toys and sexual-wellness products marketed sexually rather than therapeutically.
Gambling and high-risk entertainment
- Online gambling, casinos, sports betting, daily fantasy sports.
- Lotteries, sweepstakes, and prize draws not registered in your jurisdiction.
- Skill-game tournaments with cash entry fees.
Fraud and intellectual-property infringement
- Counterfeit, replica, or knock-off goods.
- Goods or services that infringe trademark, copyright, or right-of-publicity claims.
- Stolen property and goods sold without legal title.
- Identity-document services not authorized by the issuing government.
Hate, violence, and harm
- Goods or services that promote hate, violence, or discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disability.
- Services that facilitate stalking, harassment, or doxxing.
- Services that promote self-harm or eating disorders.
3. Prohibited transaction types
- Cash advances, lending, or loans of any kind.
- Payments to or from sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals (OFAC).
- Charges that the Buyer did not authorize.
- Splitting a single transaction across multiple charges to avoid card-network fees or our limits.
- Using Forte to pay yourself, an affiliated entity, or another business you control without a bona fide commercial transaction.
- Aggregating payments on behalf of third parties not registered with Forte.
4. Reporting violations
Suspected violations of this Policy can be reported to abuse@viridianlabs.co. Include the merchant name, the URL where the violating activity occurred, and any evidence you can share. Reports are reviewed within five business days.
5. Enforcement
Violation of this Policy may result in immediate suspension or termination of your Forte account, freezing of pending payouts, reversal of completed transactions, and reporting to the Processor, the card networks, or law enforcement. We may also publicly disclose your name, business name, and the nature of the violation if required by law or processor rule.