Here's where claims fall short:
- "Compliant" doesn't mean certified. Some vendors say they're "compliant with all state laws," but they can't point to a specific certification. Ask for a compliance attestation or legal opinion.
- "AI" is vague. Age estimation using AI sounds impressive, but if the vendor can't explain how they measure accuracy or what threshold they use, be skeptical.
- "Easy integration" can hide hours of work. A plugin might take minutes, but custom APIs could need a developer. Ask for a time estimate.
- Pricing can balloon. Per-check pricing seems low, but if you have thousands of transactions, it adds up. Watch for minimum monthly commitments or fees for additional checks.







