01. Scope
This policy applies to:
All product listings published on the HSO Lubricant website, including descriptions, images, technical specifications, and pricing information.
Any communication or transaction facilitated through the platform that relates to a listed product.
All entities and individuals who create, manage, or administer product listings for HSO Lubricant, including employees, contractors, and authorized third-party sellers.
02. What Constitutes a Fraudulent Listing
A fraudulent listing is any product posting that misleads, deceives, or attempts to defraud buyers, or that violates applicable law or HSO Lubricant policies. This includes, but is not limited to, the categories detailed below.
03. Prohibited Practices
3.1 Misrepresentation of Product
- Inaccurate Descriptions: Providing false or incomplete information about product specifications, composition, origin, performance standards, or certifications (e.g., false API, SAE, or OEM approvals).
- Misleading Images: Using images that do not show the actual product for sale, including stock photos that materially differ from the delivered item.
- Counterfeit Products: Listing or selling products that infringe on third-party intellectual property rights, including replica lubricants or imitation branded oils.
- Condition and Grade Misstatement: Failing to accurately disclose whether a product is new, re-refined, off-specification, or expired.
- Unauthorized Imports: Offering authentic products obtained through unauthorized channels where such sales are restricted by the brand owner.
3.2 Search and Discovery Manipulation
- Keyword Stuffing: Embedding irrelevant keywords (competitor brand names, vehicle models, etc.) in titles or descriptions to distort search results.
- Duplicate Listings: Creating multiple listings for the same product to monopolize visibility.
- Category Mismatch: Placing products in incorrect categories to circumvent restrictions or to mislead about product type.
3.3 Price and Fee Evasion
- Bait-and-Switch: Advertising a low price with the intent to push buyers toward a higher-priced alternative.
- Price Gouging: Setting excessively inflated prices during supply shortages or emergencies.
- Fee Avoidance: Attempting to complete transactions outside the HSO Lubricant platform to evade commissions or fees.
3.4 Fake Orders and Inventory Manipulation
- Sham Transactions: Placing fake orders to tie up competitor inventory, artificially inflate demand, or damage performance metrics.
- Self-Purchasing: Buying one’s own products to fabricate sales history or reviews.
- Inventory Hoarding: Using fraudulent orders to block legitimate access to products.
3.5 Review and Rating Manipulation
- Compensated Reviews: Offering money, discounts, or free products in exchange for positive reviews.
- Selective Solicitation: Asking only satisfied customers to leave reviews while discouraging negative feedback.
- Fake Reviews: Posting false reviews on competitor listings or on one’s own listings via fictitious accounts.
3.6 Intellectual Property Infringement
- Unauthorized use of copyrighted images, text, or trademarks.
- Listing products that bear a registered trademark without permission, including in hidden keywords.
- Selling counterfeit goods, including lubricants with fake branding.
3.7 Prohibited and Restricted Products
- Hazardous materials not properly classified, packaged, or documented per OSHA, DOT, and EPA requirements.
- Products requiring special licenses (e.g., export-controlled items) without proof of authorization.
- Expired, recalled, or unsafe lubricants and fuels.
3.8 Deceptive Shipping and Fulfillment
- Providing false tracking numbers or marking orders as shipped before the carrier actually receives them.
- Shipping from a different location than represented, particularly for international orders where country of origin matters.
- Sending products that differ from the listing without prior notification.
04. Obligations of All Sellers
Every seller on the HSO Lubricant platform must:
Accuracy: Maintain truthful, current, and complete listings at all times. Update listings immediately if product specifications or availability change.
Compliance: Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and industry regulations, including API, SAE, OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state laws of Mississippi and Florida. Obtain necessary licenses and approvals before listing.
Fair Dealing: Refrain from any conduct that harms other sellers, manipulates the platform, or undermines buyer trust.
Cooperation: Promptly respond to HSO Lubricant investigations, provide documentation of authenticity upon request, and maintain accurate contact information.
05. Consequences of Violations
Violations of this policy will result in proportional and escalating actions:
- Minor First Offense (e.g., unintentional keyword stuffing, minor image inaccuracy): Listing removal, written warning, mandatory correction within 48 hours.
- Moderate First Offense (e.g., misstated product condition, category mismatch): Listing removal, temporary suspension of listing privileges (7–14 days), corrective action plan required.
- Severe First Offense (e.g., counterfeit goods, fake orders, price gouging): Immediate account suspension pending investigation, forfeiture of fees associated with fraudulent listings, possible permanent ban, referral to law enforcement.
- Repeated Violations: Permanent termination, loss of unpaid balances, civil action for damages, reporting to regulatory agencies.
- Intellectual Property Infringement: Immediate takedown of infringing listings, account suspension, disclosure to rights holders, legal action.
- Suspension Evasion: Permanent ban, blocking of associated identities (names, addresses, tax IDs), and legal remedies.
HSO Lubricant reserves the right to remove any suspected fraudulent listing without prior notice, withhold payments tied to fraudulent transactions, report illegal activity to authorities, and pursue all available civil remedies.
06. Buyer Protection and Reporting
6.1 For Buyers
If you encounter a listing you believe to be fraudulent:
Do not complete the purchase.
Report the listing immediately via the “Report” function on the product page, or by email to legal@huronsmithoil.com.
Provide the product URL, seller name, and specific concerns (e.g., price anomaly, suspect imagery, counterfeit suspicion).
Retain screenshots and any communication with the seller.
6.2 Protections
HSO Lubricant offers:
Secure payment processing and monitoring for suspicious activity.
Dispute resolution through our billing dispute process (see Terms and Conditions for Sale).
Refund eligibility for purchases proven to be fraudulent, under our Refund Policy.
Active account monitoring to alert buyers of potential compromise.
07. Investigation Process
Upon receiving a report, HSO Lubricant will:
Initial Review (1–2 business days): Assess the listing and report, review seller history, and determine immediate risk.
Evidence Gathering (2–5 business days): Collect listing data, pricing history, communications, and, if necessary, request additional information from the reporting party.
Seller Notification: Notify the seller of the alleged violation and allow a response (typically 48–72 hours, unless immediate threat).
Determination: Decide based on evidence and seller response; document findings and enforce consequences.
Appeal Rights: Sellers may appeal within 14 days by presenting new evidence; appeal decisions are final.
08. Proactive Monitoring and Prevention
HSO Lubricant employs:
Automated scanning for prohibited keywords, abnormal pricing patterns, and image duplication.
Manual random audits of high-risk categories (high-value lubricants, bulk diesel, export-controlled items).
Continuous seller verification and compliance history tracking.
Buyer education on common fraud schemes in the petroleum products market.
09. Cooperation with Authorities
We fully cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies investigating fraudulent activity. We respond to valid subpoenas, court orders, and requests for information in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Sellers engaged in fraud may face civil liability, criminal prosecution (wire fraud, mail fraud), and enforcement actions by agencies such as the FTC.
10. Cross-Border Considerations
For international listings, sellers must comply with U.S. export controls, sanctions (OFAC), and customs regulations. Fraudulent listings that misrepresent export compliance or product value for customs purposes are strictly prohibited and may be reported to U.S. and foreign authorities.
11. Governing Law, Dispute Resolution, and Arbitration
This policy and any disputes arising from or related to fraudulent listings shall be governed by the laws of the State of Mississippi, without regard to conflict of law principles, together with applicable federal law, including but not limited to the Lanham Act, the FTC Act, and federal wire fraud statutes.
a. Negotiation. The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute through direct negotiation. Either party may initiate negotiations by sending a written notice describing the dispute to the other party.
b. Binding Arbitration. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days after such notice, the dispute shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, except as modified herein. The arbitration shall be conducted before a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties, or failing agreement, appointed by the AAA. The place of arbitration shall be Panola County, Mississippi, and the language of the arbitration shall be English. The arbitrator may award any relief permitted by law, except punitive damages unless expressly authorized by statute. The award shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
c. Exceptions to Arbitration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief or other equitable remedies in the state or federal courts located in Panola County, Mississippi, to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm, without first engaging in negotiation or arbitration. Additionally, claims that qualify for small claims court in Panola County, Mississippi, may be brought in that venue.
d. Waiver of Class Action and Jury Trial. The parties expressly waive any right to participate in a class action, class-wide arbitration, or consolidated proceeding, and waive any right to a jury trial for any dispute covered by this arbitration clause.
e. Confidentiality. The arbitration proceedings, including all filings, evidence, and testimony, shall be confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law, except as necessary to enforce an award or as required by law.
f. Costs and Fees. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees, except that the arbitrator may require the non-prevailing party to pay the prevailing party’s reasonable arbitration costs and fees if a claim is determined to be frivolous or brought in bad faith.
g. Exclusive Jurisdiction for Non-Arbitrable Matters. For any matter not subject to arbitration, the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Panola County, Mississippi, and waive any objection to venue.
12. Reporting Fraudulent Listings
To report a suspected fraudulent listing, contact:
Email: legal@huronsmithoil.com
Phone: +1 (866) 954-5938 (for imminent threats)
Mail: HSO Lubricant – Fraud Investigation Team, 204 Hays St, Batesville, Mississippi 38606, USA
Please include your contact details (anonymous reports accepted but may limit investigation), the specific listing URL, seller name, and a detailed description of the suspected fraud, along with supporting evidence such as screenshots.
13. Policy Updates
HSO Lubricant may modify this policy at any time to reflect legal changes, emerging fraud trends, or platform improvements. Material changes will be communicated via the website or email to registered users. The effective date at the top indicates the latest revision.
14. Contact Information
General inquiries: contact@hsolubricant.com
Legal: legal@huronsmithoil.com
Fraud reports: legal@huronsmithoil.com