1. Overview
Billvate is committed to maintaining a safe, legal, and compliant platform. To protect our users, partners, and the integrity of our Service, we prohibit certain business categories from using our invoicing platform.
Important Notice
Using Billvate for any prohibited business category will result in immediate account termination. Refunds are not provided for accounts terminated due to policy violations.
Quick Reference: Prohibited Categories
2. Zero Tolerance Categories
The following categories result in immediate account termination and may be reported to law enforcement:
Terrorism & Extremism
Any activity related to terrorist organizations, extremist groups, or violence.
- Terrorist financing or fundraising
- Extremist propaganda or materials
- Organizations designated as terrorist groups
- Incitement to violence
Human Exploitation
Any business involving exploitation of humans.
- Human trafficking
- Forced labor or slavery
- Child exploitation in any form
- Organ trafficking
Money Laundering
Activities designed to conceal the origins of illegally obtained money.
- Structuring transactions to avoid reporting
- Shell companies for illicit purposes
- Fake invoicing to move money
- Trade-based money laundering
3. High-Risk Categories
These categories are prohibited due to high legal, financial, or reputational risks:
Controlled Substances
Illegal drugs and controlled substances are strictly prohibited.
- Illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.)
- Prescription drugs sold without license
- Drug paraphernalia
- Synthetic drugs and designer drugs
- Unlicensed cannabis (where illegal)
Weapons & Explosives
All weapons, ammunition, and explosives are prohibited.
- Firearms and ammunition
- Explosives and explosive devices
- Military weapons and equipment
- Knives and other regulated weapons
- Weapon parts and accessories
- 3D-printed weapon components
Counterfeit & Stolen Goods
Products that violate intellectual property rights or are illegally obtained.
- Counterfeit luxury goods
- Pirated software, music, movies
- Fake designer products
- Stolen merchandise
- Unauthorized replicas
4. Regulated Industries
These industries require special licensing. Without proper licensing, they are prohibited:
Regulated Without License
- Unlicensed money transmission services
- Unregistered securities offerings
- Unlicensed pharmaceutical sales
- Unlicensed gambling operations
- Unregistered investment advice
- Unlicensed legal services
- Unlicensed medical services
- Unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges
License Verification
If you operate in a regulated industry, we may request proof of licensing. Failure to provide valid licensing may result in account suspension.
5. Sanctions & Embargoes
Due to U.S. sanctions laws, the following are strictly prohibited:
5.1 Sanctioned Countries
Service is not available to users in:
Cuba
Comprehensive sanctions
Iran
Comprehensive sanctions
North Korea
Comprehensive sanctions
Syria
Comprehensive sanctions
Crimea
Region-specific sanctions
Donetsk/Luhansk
Region-specific sanctions
5.2 Sanctioned Entities
Invoicing is prohibited for any individual or entity on:
- OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List
- OFAC Sectoral Sanctions Identifications (SSI) List
- OFAC Foreign Sanctions Evaders (FSE) List
- Other U.S. government sanctions lists
SDN Screening
We screen all users and clients against the OFAC SDN list. Matches result in immediate account review and may lead to termination and reporting to authorities.
6. Fraudulent Activities
All forms of fraud and deceptive practices are prohibited:
Fraud & Scams
- Pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes
- Multi-level marketing scams
- Advance fee fraud (Nigerian Prince scams)
- Phishing and identity theft
- Fake invoice schemes
- Wire fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Tax evasion schemes
- Credit card fraud
- Business email compromise
6.1 Fake Invoicing
The following invoice practices are prohibited:
- Creating invoices for services not rendered
- Inflating invoice amounts
- Creating invoices to fictitious clients
- Using invoices to move money for illicit purposes
- Creating duplicate invoices to inflate revenue
7. Financial Services
Certain financial services are prohibited without proper registration:
Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
- Unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges
- Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) without proper registration
- Cryptocurrency mixing or tumbling services
- Privacy coins used for illicit purposes
- Crypto investment schemes promising guaranteed returns
- NFT fraud or wash trading
Unregistered Financial Services
- Unlicensed money transmission
- Unregistered securities sales
- Unlicensed lending or payday loans
- Unregistered investment funds
- Credit repair scams
- Debt settlement schemes
8. Adult Content
Adult content and services are prohibited:
Adult Entertainment
- Pornography production or distribution
- Adult entertainment venues
- Escort services
- Prostitution or sexual services
- Adult webcam services
- Adult dating sites (hookup sites)
- Sex toys and adult products
- Adult content subscription platforms
Note: This prohibition applies regardless of legality in your jurisdiction.
9. Gambling
Gambling services are prohibited without proper licensing:
Gambling Services
- Online casinos
- Sports betting platforms
- Poker rooms and card games
- Fantasy sports with real money
- Lottery services
- Slot machines and gaming machines
- Bingo halls (for-profit)
- Betting exchanges
- Gambling-related software
Exception: Licensed gambling operators in permitted jurisdictions may apply for approval.
10. Drugs & Substances
All controlled substances and related products are prohibited:
Drugs & Drug-Related
- Illegal drugs (all Schedule I-V controlled substances)
- Cannabis and CBD products (federal prohibition)
- Drug paraphernalia
- Prescription drugs without license
- Research chemicals
- Kratom and other unregulated substances
- Drug testing evasion products
- Steroids and performance enhancers (without prescription)
Cannabis Note
Due to federal banking regulations, cannabis businesses are not permitted even in states where cannabis is legal. This includes dispensaries, cultivation, and CBD products.
11. Weapons & Ammunition
All weapons and related items are prohibited:
Weapons Categories
- Firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns)
- Ammunition and magazines
- Firearm parts and accessories
- Explosives and fireworks
- Military equipment and gear
- Tasers and stun guns
- Pepper spray (commercial quantities)
- Knives (regulated types)
- Martial arts weapons
- Archery equipment (commercial)
- 3D-printed weapon files or components
- Weapon modifications (bump stocks, silencers)
12. Other Prohibited Categories
Additional Prohibited Activities
- Tobacco & Vaping: Cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaping products
- Endangered Species: Products from protected animals or plants
- Hazardous Materials: Toxic chemicals, radioactive materials
- Hacking Services: Malware, exploit kits, DDoS services
- Fake Documents: Forged IDs, diplomas, certificates
- Surveillance Equipment: Hidden cameras, spy devices
- Timeshares: Timeshare resales and related services
- Get-Rich-Quick: Schemes promising unrealistic returns
- Essay Mills: Academic cheating services
- Debt Collection: Aggressive or illegal collection practices
13. Gray Areas & Edge Cases
Some businesses may fall into gray areas. If you're unsure, please contact us before signing up:
13.1 May Require Review
- Hemp-based products (non-CBD)
- Telehealth and telemedicine services
- Nutritional supplements
- Online pharmacies (licensed)
- Kratom and herbal products
- Alcohol sales (licensed retailers)
- Pawn shops
- Precious metals dealers
13.2 How We Evaluate
When evaluating gray area businesses, we consider:
- Applicable laws and regulations
- Required licenses and certifications
- Industry reputation and risk factors
- Payment processor restrictions
- Compliance requirements
When In Doubt, Ask
If you're unsure whether your business is permitted, email us at compliance@billvate.com before signing up. We'll review your case and provide guidance.
14. Questions & Contact
If you have questions about whether your business is permitted, please contact us:
- Compliance Team: compliance@billvate.com
- General Support: support@billvate.com
What to Include
When inquiring about your business type, please include:
- Description of your products or services
- Your business location and target markets
- Any relevant licenses or certifications
- How you plan to use Billvate