Blocked & Frozen Transactions

Blocked and Frozen Transactions are a fraud prevention measure used to help catch fraudulent panelists attempting to cash out their ill-gained earnings. Cint uses Maxmind anti-fraud technology to detect if a panelist is potentially fraudulent. Depending on the panelists risk score their transaction may either be frozen or blocked.

Frozen Transactions

Panelists have their payments frozen if they have a risk score higher than 10 or they have a negative balance. If the frozen transaction is failed (for example, if the panelist has a negative balance) the points are added back to the panelist's account and the panelist is not banned unless deemed necessary following account review. If the payment is released the payment will begin processing.

Blocked Transactions

Panelists have their payments blocked if they have a risk score higher than 80. If the blocked transaction is failed the points are not added back to the panelists accounts and the panelist is automatically banned. The transaction can be still be released if we believe the account to not be fraudulent.

How long does it take to process a blocked or frozen transaction?

We aim to review and process the majority of transactions within 7 business days. Some transactions are left longer than others to allow time for projects to be closed, allow reversals to come through, and gain more insight into the panelists survey taking behaviors. This helps to avoid banning panelists prematurely or allowing fraudulent panelists through. Payments that are waiting are checked regularly to minimize the wait time for panelists. 

How does Cint justify doing this?
This measure allows fraud to be cleaned up from panels and reduces the risk of lost revenue for both Cint and suppliers. It is also an extra measure that aids in catching fraud before clients do so. This also reduces the risk of a client refusing to sample on their supply in the future. Ultimately this measure is about protecting against fraud and minimizing lost revenue for all parties.

For example, over $180,000 was saved as a result of blocked transactions over a 10 month period.