Software license deals carry a high risk of fraud. The checks below apply to any license you buy on EPICSWP.
Types of software licenses
- Lifetime licenses: one payment for permanent access
- Subscription transfers: the months left on someone's subscription
- Volume licenses: several seats at a discount
- OEM licenses: bundled with hardware, so check whether they can be transferred
- Open-source commercial licenses: for dual-licensed software
Red flags
- The price is far below retail, which usually means the key is stolen or fraudulent.
- The seller can't provide proof of purchase.
- The license has already been activated several times.
- The seller refuses escrow.
- A "volume license" turns out to be a single-user key shared illegally.
What to verify
Before you confirm receipt:
- Activate the software with the key you were given.
- Make sure it's a genuine license, not a crack or keygen.
- Check the license type matches the listing.
- Confirm the number of seats or users.
- Check whether it can be transferred, since some licenses can't.
- Look for restrictions or an expiry date.
Using escrow protection
For software licenses, pay through escrow:
- Start the deal. Your payment is held.
- Receive the license key in the deal chat.
- Activate the software and check it.
- Make sure every paid feature works.
- Confirm receipt, and the money is released to the seller.
If the key doesn't work, has already been used or looks fraudulent, don't confirm. Open a dispute straight away.
Important notes
- Some software makers forbid transferring licenses, so check their terms of service.
- OEM licenses usually can't be transferred separately from the hardware.
- "Lifetime" licenses can have expiry dates hidden in the terms.
- Volume license keys are often shared illegally, so check with the vendor.
With escrow, the seller isn't paid until you've checked the key, so don't pay for a license directly.
#digital-products#software#licenses
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