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User Run Banks Disallowed


Bank services have historically been a cause of problems for the community, often used as a means to scam users and to attempt to conceal illegally gained gold and items. Additionally, even banks with legitimate goals often have extensive difficulties maintaining the funds necessary to keep their contract with their clients, leading to users being unable to make withdrawals of gold invested, causing extensive moderation issues and having a negative effect on the user base.

Although we realize that this is not the case with all such banks and understand that many are run legitimately, after much consideration we have decided that it is in the best interests of the community that these services are not permitted due to the high risk of abuse associated with them and the resulting difficulties stemming from that abuse.

    What is considered a bank service?
    Bank services typically consist of, but are not limited to, services that take gold or items from users and promise a return on the deposit (called interest), offer loan services to users, or offer pawn shop services.

    Can we loan items or currency to other users?
    Loaning items is permitted, but the practice of running loan services for profit such a pawn shops is not permitted. We encourage all users who choose to loan items to others to maintain clear and permanent records of the agreement on Gaia (via means such as PMs, posts, or labelled trades). Should these not exist as the agreement was conducted in spaces like Towns, Rally, ZOMG, or off the site, the moderation team will be unable to assist you should there be concerns with your loan. Screenshots are not accepted as evidence as these can be manipulated. If you have problems with a user repaying a loan on Gaia and you have the relevant supporting evidence, you are welcome to file a Scamming Report together with providing the on Gaia evidence of your agreement so the moderation team can review your situation.

If you are uncertain as to whether the service you intend to offer is considered a bank, please contact a moderator to inquire. A list of moderators can be found here.