Proper Evidence and Transaction Safety Guide

Overview(top)

It is very important to document agreements between you and other users or use fail-safe methods (like /trade) to ensure that you are protected from scams. Just like in any economy, there are users who can and will attempt to scam you.
While scamming isn't allowed on EcoCityCraft the hard truth is that if you cannot prove that there was an agreement/transaction to take place then Staff unfortunately are not able to assist you.

Staff Assistance on Transaction Safety(top)

To ensure fairness and uphold a consistent justice system, staff must operate based on evidence, not assumptions or hearsay.
Staff do have limited resources for dealing with on-site scamming and bad faith transactions.
Staff are unable to;

• View or verify historic chat logs (including PMs, private channels, party chat, etc.)
  
• Staff are unable to verify payments or item transfers without screenshots.
• Take action against users without clear, documented proof
• Retrieve items or money that you may have lost in a bad faith deal.

Staff can assist you with:

• Middleman trades or agreements (upon request).
• Help you draft agreements or contracts.
• Advise you on safe trading practices.
• Assist if a complaint is filed with valid evidence.

If you file a complaint with proper evidence.

• The defending user will be given a chance to respond.
• Staff will attempt to mediate and guide both parties toward resolution.
• If no agreement can be reached and evidence supports wrongdoing, appropriate consequences will be issued.

Safe Trading(top)

When trading for Items/Tools

• /trade <username>

This system allows you to complete a transaction with other users in a safe way. You will be able to view what the other user is offering and they will be able to see what you are offering.

• You and your trade partner must be on the same world.

• The trade does not go through until both users accept the offer and click the accept buttons

• You will receive the items/money offered at the same time your partner receives your offered items/money.

• There isn't any discussion/dissention over who does their part of the deal first.

Gathering Evidence(top)

If you know how to properly gather evidence you can protect yourself, others and document bad behavior to report to Staff for action to be taken.

Important Evidence Elements

• Username of the user (Very important if the user has a nickname).
• Terms of the agreement
  • What are you giving?
  • What are they giving?
• Other user agreement - simply stating it won't fly, they need to have agreed to the terms.
• Proof that you upheld your end
  • Proof/ID of the tools/items given
  • Proof of payment for EcoDollars

Taking Screenshots(top)

Windows(top)

MacOS(top)

Uploading Screenshots(top)

In order to present your evidence on the forums it needs to be uploaded to an image hosting site.
Here are a few you can use, Imgur is the best but there is a few for options.

• Gyazo
• ImgBB
• ImageShack
• Imgur

Once uploaded to an image hosting site you can not posted it to the forums.

• On your forum post you can now add the image. Click the "Insert/edit image" button on the toolbar:

Then paste the link you copied into the window that appears, click "insert" and it will add the image to the thread.

Agreement Examples:(top)

Here are some examples of proper screenshots that will protect you against bad faith transactions and scams.

Image Format:

• Please note that screenshots should always be fullscreen and uncropped.

We recommend using the Contracts Forum for all agreements and transactions, but if you need to facilitate a transaction in-game.

These are just a few common examples of the sort of agreements you might come across during your EcoCityCraft experience.
As always if you have any questions about safe trading practices, agreements or anything else regarding this topic feel free to message any Staff member.