by | Saturday, 23 May 2026

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ABC Claim

ABC Claim lets users claim existing HumHub Spaces, submit ownership proof securely, and receive verified Space administration after admin review. It adds claim, reclaim, verification, audit, and privacy-first document handling for directory-style communities where Spaces represent real businesses, schools, NGOs, churches, clubs, or organizations.

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EUR 75.00€
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ABC Claim is a privacy-focused HumHub module that allows users to claim existing Spaces and request verified administration access. It is especially useful for directory-style communities where admins create Spaces for schools, businesses, churches, NGOs, clubs, artists, service providers, or other real-world organizations before the official owner joins the platform.

Instead of leaving directory entries unmanaged, ABC Claim adds a controlled verification workflow. A user can click Claim Space, submit their details, upload proof documents, and confirm the submission before it is sent for admin review. Admins can then approve, reject, request more information, revoke verification, or mark a Space as needing reclaim.

After approval, the claimant can be added as a Space admin and the Space can be marked as verified. Public users can immediately recognize verified Spaces through a green verification indicator, while pending, rejected, expired, or revoked verification states remain visible to admins for better quality control.

ABC Claim keeps verification data in separate module tables and does not modify HumHub core Space tables. Sensitive uploaded documents are handled privately, are never shown publicly, and can be deleted after review according to configurable retention rules. The module also includes audit logging, claim statistics, admin dashboards, Space verification filters, and reclaim handling for ownership or legal changes.

Key features

 

  • Claim existing Spaces — Users can request verified access to Spaces that represent their real organization.
  • Secure proof upload — Claimants can upload identity, company, license, or authorization documents for admin review.
  • Review before submission — Users can check their claim before final submission or delete all claim data immediately.
  • Admin approval workflow — Admins can approve, reject, request more information, revoke, expire, or require reclaim.
  • Verified Space indicator — Approved Spaces can show a green verified icon or button in frontend views.
  • Reclaim support — New owners or authorized representatives can reclaim Spaces when ownership or legal papers change.
  • Privacy-first storage — Sensitive documents are private, permission-protected, audit-logged, and removable.
  • Separate verification tables — No HumHub core tables are modified.
  • Admin statistics — Track verified, unclaimed, pending, rejected, expired, and reclaim-required Spaces.
  • Marketplace-ready structure — Includes documentation, changelog, privacy/security notes, screenshots, and module icon resources.

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ABC Claim — Detailed User Manual

Module name: ABC Claim
Module ID: abcclaim
Purpose: Let genuine owners or authorized representatives claim, verify, reclaim, and manage existing HumHub Spaces through a secure admin-controlled process.

1. What ABC Claim does

ABC Claim helps a HumHub site owner manage Spaces that represent real organizations, businesses, schools, churches, clubs, music groups, NGOs, sport clubs, or other real-world places.

In many directory-style communities, administrators first create many Spaces themselves. These Spaces are useful as public directory entries, but they are not yet managed by the real owner. ABC Claim solves this problem.

With ABC Claim:

  1. A user finds a Space that belongs to their organization.

  2. The user clicks Claim Space.

  3. The user fills in a claim form and uploads proof.

  4. The user reviews the submitted information.

  5. The user confirms the claim.

  6. Admins review the claim.

  7. Admins approve, reject, or ask for more information.

  8. If approved, the Space becomes verified.

  9. The approved claimant can receive Space admin access.

  10. Visitors can see that the Space has been verified.

ABC Claim is not only for first-time claims. It also supports reclaiming a Space when ownership, management, or legal documents change.

2. Important words used in this manual

Space

A Space is a HumHub group area. In a normal HumHub community, Spaces are used for teams, projects, departments, or groups.

In a directory website, a Space can also represent a real-world listing, for example:

  • a nursery;

  • a school;

  • a church;

  • a music band;

  • a company;

  • a club;

  • an NGO;

  • a sport center;

  • a medical or care service;

  • a local organization.

Claim

A claim is a request from a user saying:

I am the real owner, manager, director, or authorized representative of this Space. Please verify me and give me the correct access.

Claimant

The claimant is the user who submits the claim.

Verified Space

A Verified Space is a Space where an admin has checked the submitted proof and marked the Space as verified.

A verified Space may show a green verification button or icon.

Reclaim

A reclaim is a new verification request for a Space that was already verified before.

Reclaiming may be needed when:

  • the owner changed;

  • the company changed;

  • the business papers changed;

  • the director or authorized representative changed;

  • the former Space admin is no longer allowed to manage the Space;

  • admins received complaints or have doubts;

  • admins manually revoked or expired the old verification.

Verification

Verification means that an admin checked the submitted documents and information and decided that the claim is acceptable.

Verification is not a permanent legal guarantee. It is a status based on the information available at the time of review.

3. What ABC Claim does not do

ABC Claim helps organize verification, but it does not replace official authorities.

ABC Claim does not:

  • legally guarantee ownership;

  • replace business registration checks;

  • replace school license checks;

  • replace government authority checks;

  • automatically know when a company owner changes;

  • automatically know whether a submitted document is genuine;

  • automatically remove a former owner unless an admin decides to do so.

The module helps create a practical verification workflow. Final legal certainty still depends on official documents and authorities.

Recommended public wording:

This Space was verified based on submitted documents and available information at the time of review. Ownership, management, or legal status may change later. Users should check official registries or relevant authorities where legal certainty is required.

4. Who uses ABC Claim

ABC Claim has three main user groups.

4.1 Normal visitors

Visitors can see Space pages and Space cards. They may see whether a Space is verified.

Depending on your HumHub settings, visitors may or may not be logged in.

4.2 Claimants

Claimants are users who want to claim a Space.

They may be:

  • business owners;

  • school owners;

  • directors;

  • managers;

  • pastors;

  • NGO representatives;

  • music band leaders;

  • sport club owners;

  • authorized staff;

  • legal representatives.

4.3 Admins

Admins review submitted claims.

Admins decide whether to:

  • approve a claim;

  • reject a claim;

  • ask for more information;

  • verify a Space;

  • revoke verification;

  • expire verification;

  • request reclaim;

  • delete sensitive documents;

  • add the claimant as Space admin;

  • remove outdated Space admins if necessary.

5. Basic workflow overview

The complete workflow is:

  1. Admin creates a Space or a user creates a Space.

  2. The Space is unclaimed.

  3. A user clicks Claim Space.

  4. The user fills in the claim form.

  5. The user uploads proof documents.

  6. The user checks the claim details.

  7. The user confirms the claim.

  8. The claim appears in the admin review dashboard.

  9. Admin reviews the submitted information.

  10. Admin may approve, reject, or ask for more information.

  11. If approved, the Space becomes verified.

  12. A green verification indicator appears.

  13. If something changes later, admin can revoke or expire verification.

  14. The new owner or representative can submit a reclaim request.

6. What users see on the frontend

6.1 Claim Space button

When a Space is not yet verified, users may see a button called:

Claim Space

This button can appear near other Space action buttons, such as:

  • Join;

  • Follow;

  • Invite;

  • settings button.

The button means:

This Space is not yet verified by the genuine owner or authorized representative. A real owner or representative can request verification.

6.2 Verified Space button or icon

When a Space is approved, users may see:

Verified Space

or a green verification shield/check icon.

This means:

This Space has been checked and approved by the site admins at the time of verification.

6.3 Reclaim Space button

When verification has expired, been revoked, or requires a new verification, users may see:

Reclaim Space

This means:

This Space was verified before, but the verification now needs to be updated.

6.4 Icons in Space cards

In Space card views, the module can show small icons so visitors immediately see the verification status.

Common status colors:

  • Green: verified;

  • Brown/yellow: in process or more information requested;

  • Red: rejected, revoked, or expired;

  • Grey: unclaimed.

The small icon is useful because it does not need much text and works better in multilingual communities.

7. Claiming a Space — step-by-step for users

This section is written for users with very little computer experience.

Step 1 — Open the Space

Go to the Space page that represents your organization.

Example:

  • your school Space;

  • your company Space;

  • your church Space;

  • your band Space;

  • your club Space.

Step 2 — Click Claim Space

Look for the button:

Claim Space

Click it once.

If you are not logged in, the website may ask you to log in first. After login, return to the Space and click Claim Space again if necessary.

Step 3 — Read the information carefully

The claim form explains that only real owners or authorized representatives should submit a claim.

Do not submit a claim for a Space that does not belong to you or that you are not allowed to represent.

Step 4 — Fill in your name

Enter your real name.

Use the same name that appears on your official documents where possible.

Example:

Somchai Prasert

or:

Maria Becker

Step 5 — Enter your role

Enter your role in the organization.

Examples:

  • Owner;

  • Director;

  • Manager;

  • School Director;

  • Pastor;

  • Founder;

  • Authorized Representative;

  • Administrator;

  • Legal Representative.

Step 6 — Enter your contact details

Fill in your email address and phone number if requested.

Use contact details that admins can use to reach you.

Step 7 — Add website or social media proof

If your organization has a website, Facebook page, Google Maps page, or other public profile, add the link.

This can help admins compare your claim with public information.

Examples:

  • official website;

  • Facebook page;

  • Google Maps listing;

  • company page;

  • school page;

  • church page;

  • public registration link.

Step 8 — Explain why you claim the Space

Write a short explanation.

Example:

I am the owner of this nursery and would like to manage the Space profile.

or:

I am the authorized manager of this organization and have permission to update this Space.

or:

I am the new owner. The old owner no longer manages this business.

Step 9 — Upload proof documents

The claim form may ask you to upload documents.

Possible documents:

  • photo of yourself holding your ID and business paper;

  • company registration paper;

  • school license;

  • nursery license;

  • organization registration paper;

  • letter of authorization;

  • document showing your name as owner/director/representative;

  • other proof requested by the site admin.

Only upload documents that are needed for the claim.

Do not upload unnecessary private documents.

Step 10 — Submit the first form

After filling in the form, click the submit button.

At this point, the claim may still be saved as a draft or waiting for your confirmation.

Step 11 — Review your information

You will see a review page.

Check carefully:

  • Is your name correct?

  • Is the Space correct?

  • Is your email correct?

  • Is your phone number correct?

  • Is your role correct?

  • Did you upload the correct documents?

  • Is your explanation clear?

Step 12 — Confirm or delete

If everything is correct, click:

Confirm and submit for review

If something is wrong or you changed your mind, click:

Cancel and delete all claim data

When you cancel and delete, the module should delete the claim data and uploaded documents.

Step 13 — Wait for admin review

After confirmation, admins need time to review the claim.

Admins may:

  • approve it;

  • reject it;

  • ask for more information.

Step 14 — Check messages

If admins need more information, you may receive an internal HumHub message or notification.

Open the message and follow the instructions.

Step 15 — After approval

If your claim is approved:

  • the Space may show as verified;

  • you may receive Space admin access;

  • you can manage the Space depending on the permissions given by the site admins.

8. Reclaiming a Space

Reclaiming is used when a Space was already verified before, but something changed.

Common reclaim reasons

A reclaim may be needed when:

  • the business has a new owner;

  • the school has a new license holder;

  • the director changed;

  • the company papers changed;

  • the old Space admin is no longer allowed to manage the Space;

  • the Space was verified a long time ago;

  • admins received serious complaints;

  • admins manually revoked verification;

  • the organization changed its legal structure.

How to reclaim

  1. Open the Space.

  2. Click Reclaim Space.

  3. Fill in the reclaim form.

  4. Explain why the Space needs to be reclaimed.

  5. Upload updated documents.

  6. Review your submission.

  7. Confirm the reclaim request.

  8. Wait for admin review.

What happens during reclaim

During reclaim, the Space may show an in-process status.

The old admin is not always removed automatically. Admins decide what should happen.

After approval, admins may:

  • verify the new claimant;

  • add the new claimant as Space admin;

  • remove outdated Space admins;

  • update the verification record;

  • delete old sensitive documents according to policy.

9. Admin dashboard overview

Admins use the ABC Claim admin dashboard to manage claims.

The dashboard may be available at:

/abcclaim/admin/index

or through the module configuration page.

The dashboard shows claim statistics and lists.

Typical dashboard numbers

The dashboard may show:

  • total Spaces;

  • verified Spaces;

  • unclaimed Spaces;

  • pending claims;

  • reclaim requests;

  • rejected claims;

  • more information requested;

  • expired verification;

  • revoked verification.

These numbers help admins understand how many directory entries are already owner-managed and how many still need outreach.

10. Admin claim lists

The admin area may contain several lists.

Pending Claims

These are new claims waiting for review.

Admin should open each claim and check the details.

Reclaim Requests

These are claims for Spaces that were already verified before but now need new verification.

Verified Spaces

These Spaces were approved.

They may show a green verification icon in frontend views.

Unclaimed Spaces

These Spaces do not yet have a verified owner or representative.

This list is useful for marketing, outreach, and directory improvement.

Rejected / More Info

These claims were rejected or need more information from the claimant.

Expired / Revoked

These Spaces were verified before, but the verification is no longer active.

11. Reviewing a claim as admin

Step 1 — Open the admin dashboard

Go to the ABC Claim admin dashboard.

Open the list of pending claims.

Step 2 — Open one claim

Click the claim you want to review.

Step 3 — Check the Space

Make sure the claim is for the correct Space.

Check:

  • Space name;

  • Space URL;

  • public information on the Space;

  • existing admins;

  • whether this Space was verified before.

Step 4 — Check claimant information

Review:

  • claimant name;

  • user account;

  • email;

  • phone;

  • role;

  • explanation;

  • website or public links.

Step 5 — Check documents

Open uploaded documents only if you have permission and a real need to review them.

Documents may include sensitive personal data.

Do not download or copy documents unless necessary.

Do not send these documents by email or chat.

Step 6 — Compare with public information

Where possible, compare submitted details with public resources, for example:

  • company registry;

  • school license list;

  • government registry;

  • organization website;

  • official Facebook page;

  • Google Maps listing;

  • other public sources.

Step 7 — Decide what to do

Admin can usually choose one of these actions:

  • approve;

  • reject;

  • request more information;

  • revoke existing verification;

  • expire verification;

  • delete documents.

12. Approving a claim

Approve a claim only when the submitted information is sufficient.

When approving, the admin may:

  • mark the Space as verified;

  • add the claimant as Space admin;

  • leave an internal admin note;

  • keep the platform admin as fallback admin;

  • schedule document deletion according to retention settings.

Recommended safe default:

Add the claimant as Space admin, but keep a platform admin as fallback admin.

This prevents the platform from losing control over important directory entries.

After approval, the Space can show:

  • green verified button;

  • green verified icon;

  • verified status in admin lists;

  • verified status in Space cards.

13. Rejecting a claim

Reject a claim when:

  • the claimant is not authorized;

  • documents are missing or not convincing;

  • documents do not match the Space;

  • the claim appears suspicious;

  • the user claimed the wrong Space;

  • the organization cannot be verified;

  • the claim violates site rules.

When rejecting, write a clear internal note.

The rejected status may show as a red warning icon in admin views.

Sensitive documents should be deleted according to your privacy policy and retention settings.

14. Requesting more information

Sometimes a claim is not ready for approval, but it should not be rejected immediately.

Use Request more information when:

  • the document is unreadable;

  • a license page is missing;

  • the uploaded file is wrong;

  • the claimant did not explain their role clearly;

  • the business name differs from the Space name;

  • you need an updated paper;

  • you need clarification about ownership.

The module can send an internal HumHub notification/message to the claimant.

This is better than email because:

  • the message stays inside the system;

  • the claimant gets a normal HumHub notification;

  • admins keep a better record;

  • sensitive documents are not attached to email;

  • less information gets lost outside the platform.

Example message:

Please upload a clearer company registration document showing your name as owner or authorized representative.

15. Revoking verification

Admins can revoke verification when the Space should no longer be trusted as currently verified.

Reasons may include:

  • serious complaints;

  • owner changed;

  • company closed;

  • school license changed;

  • documents were later found to be wrong;

  • verified person is no longer authorized;

  • Space admin account appears misused;

  • legal status is unclear.

After revocation:

  • the green verified status should disappear;

  • a red or warning status may appear for admins;

  • frontend may show Reclaim Space;

  • new proof may be required.

16. Expiring verification

Verification may expire after time.

This is useful because organizations change.

Example:

  • annual re-verification;

  • verification every 2 years;

  • verification after legal changes;

  • verification after complaints;

  • verification after admin review.

When verification expires, the Space may need reclaim or re-verification.

17. Deleting sensitive documents

ABC Claim handles sensitive documents. Admins should delete them when they are no longer needed.

Sensitive documents may include:

  • passport images;

  • ID photos;

  • business registration papers;

  • school licenses;

  • authorization letters;

  • legal papers.

When to delete documents

Delete documents when:

  • the claim was approved and retention time is over;

  • the claim was rejected and retention time is over;

  • the user cancelled the claim;

  • the documents were uploaded by mistake;

  • documents are no longer needed for verification;

  • privacy policy requires deletion.

Why deletion is important

Keeping unnecessary documents creates risk.

Good privacy practice means:

  • collect only what is needed;

  • keep it only as long as needed;

  • restrict access;

  • delete it when no longer needed.

18. Space verification statuses

ABC Claim may use these statuses.

Unclaimed

The Space has not been claimed or verified yet.

Frontend may show Claim Space.

Admin may see grey status.

Claim pending

A user submitted a first claim and it is waiting for admin review.

Admin may see brown/yellow status.

More information requested

Admin asked the claimant for more information.

The claim is not approved yet.

Admin may see brown/yellow status.

Verified

Admin approved the claim.

Frontend may show green verified status.

Admin may see green status.

Reclaim pending

A new claim was submitted for a previously verified Space.

Admin must review updated ownership or authorization.

Rejected

Admin rejected the claim.

Admin may see red status.

Verification expired

The verification is too old or has been manually expired.

The Space may need reclaim or re-verification.

Verification revoked

Admin removed verification because of a problem, complaint, change, or doubt.

The Space may need reclaim.

19. Admin Space list indicators

In the HumHub admin Space list, ABC Claim can show icons beside Spaces.

Typical icon meanings:

  • green shield/check: verified;

  • red warning: rejected, revoked, or expired;

  • brown/yellow icon: claim or reclaim in process;

  • grey icon: unclaimed.

These icons help admins quickly understand which Spaces still need attention.

20. Sorting and filtering by claim status

The admin Space list can include claim status filters.

Useful filters:

  • all Spaces;

  • verified;

  • rejected;

  • in process;

  • reclaim required;

  • unclaimed.

This helps admins answer questions like:

  • How many Spaces are verified?

  • How many claims are waiting?

  • How many Spaces are unclaimed?

  • Which Spaces need follow-up?

  • Which Spaces may be useful for marketing outreach?

21. Recommended daily admin routine

For active directory sites, use this daily routine.

Morning check

  1. Open ABC Claim admin dashboard.

  2. Check pending claims.

  3. Check reclaim requests.

  4. Check more-information replies.

  5. Review urgent or suspicious claims.

Review claims

  1. Open each pending claim.

  2. Check submitted data.

  3. Check documents.

  4. Compare with public sources.

  5. Approve, reject, or request more information.

Clean up

  1. Delete documents no longer needed.

  2. Check rejected claims.

  3. Check old pending claims.

  4. Mark old verification as expired if needed.

Weekly overview

  1. Check unclaimed Spaces.

  2. Check verified percentage.

  3. Plan outreach to unclaimed organizations.

  4. Review complaints or ownership change reports.

22. Recommended privacy rules for admins

Because ABC Claim can process sensitive documents, admins should follow strict rules.

Do

  • View documents only when needed.

  • Keep documents inside the system.

  • Delete documents when no longer needed.

  • Use internal notes for review records.

  • Use internal messages for more-information requests.

  • Keep audit logs.

  • Use strong admin passwords.

  • Limit document access to trusted admins only.

Do not

  • Do not email passport images.

  • Do not download documents without reason.

  • Do not share documents in chat apps.

  • Do not keep sensitive files forever.

  • Do not approve unclear claims.

  • Do not give Space admin access to unverified people.

  • Do not modify HumHub core database tables manually.

23. Recommended configuration

Site admins should configure ABC Claim before public use.

Recommended settings:

  • Require login for claim submission: enabled.

  • Allow claim button on public Space pages: enabled.

  • Allow document upload: enabled.

  • Allow PDF upload: enabled if needed.

  • Limit upload size: reasonable size, for example 10 MB.

  • Keep approved claim documents only for a short retention period.

  • Keep rejected claim documents only as long as legally necessary.

  • Restrict document viewing to trusted admins.

  • Enable audit logging.

  • Use internal HumHub messages for more-information requests.

  • Show verified icons in Space cards.

  • Show status indicators in admin Space list.

24. User support: what to tell claimants

When users ask how to claim a Space, send them a simple explanation.

Example:

Please open the Space page and click Claim Space. Fill in your name, role, contact details, and upload proof that you are the owner or authorized representative. After submitting, you can review your information before confirming. Our admins will then check the claim and contact you inside the platform if more information is needed.

25. What to do if a user uploaded the wrong document

If the claim is still in review:

  1. Ask the user for more information.

  2. Tell the user which document is wrong.

  3. Ask for the correct document.

  4. Delete the wrong document if it is not needed.

If the user wants to cancel everything:

  1. The user can cancel and delete the claim if available.

  2. Admin can delete claim documents if needed.

  3. Admin should record only a minimal audit note.

26. What to do if someone falsely claims a Space

If a claim appears false:

  1. Do not approve it.

  2. Mark it as rejected.

  3. Add an internal admin note.

  4. Delete sensitive documents according to policy.

  5. Watch for repeated suspicious attempts.

  6. Consider blocking the user if site rules allow it.

Do not publicly accuse the user unless there is a formal legal reason to do so.

27. What to do if the owner changed

When an organization has a new owner:

  1. The new owner should submit a reclaim request.

  2. Admin checks the new documents.

  3. Admin compares with public registries if possible.

  4. Admin approves the new claimant if valid.

  5. Admin updates verification.

  6. Admin may remove old Space admins if they are no longer authorized.

  7. Admin deletes outdated documents according to policy.

This prevents former owners from continuing to manage a Space after they are no longer responsible.

28. What to do if complaints arrive

If several people complain that a Space is managed by the wrong person:

  1. Review the complaint.

  2. Check the Space admins.

  3. Check the verification record.

  4. Ask the current Space admin for updated proof if needed.

  5. Revoke or expire verification if there is serious doubt.

  6. Let the rightful owner submit a reclaim request.

  7. Approve only after new proof is checked.

29. What to do if a Space should not be claimable

Some Spaces may not need claims.

Examples:

  • internal admin Spaces;

  • system Spaces;

  • test Spaces;

  • private project Spaces;

  • community discussion Spaces.

If the module configuration supports it, disable claiming for those Spaces or categories.

If not, admins should reject unsuitable claims and explain why.

30. Troubleshooting for users

I do not see the Claim Space button

Possible reasons:

  • the Space is already verified;

  • the module is disabled;

  • the site does not allow claiming for that Space;

  • the page did not load correctly;

  • your browser needs refresh;

  • the button is hidden by the theme;

  • you are on a page where claim buttons are not shown.

Try:

  1. Refresh the page.

  2. Open the Space main page.

  3. Log in.

  4. Ask site support.

I uploaded the wrong document

Do not worry.

If the claim is not confirmed yet, cancel and delete the claim.

If the claim is already submitted, contact admins and ask them to delete the wrong document.

I submitted a claim but nothing happened

Admin review can take time.

Check your internal messages and notifications.

Admins may ask for more information.

I was rejected

Read the reason if provided.

You may need to submit better proof, or you may have claimed the wrong Space.

I am the new owner, but the old owner is still admin

Submit a reclaim request and explain the ownership change.

Upload documents showing the new ownership or authorization.

31. Troubleshooting for admins

A verified icon does not show

Check:

  • Is the Space status actually verified?

  • Was the claim approved?

  • Did cache need clearing?

  • Is the theme hiding the icon?

  • Is the public status endpoint working?

  • Does the Space card include a detectable Space ID?

A Space shows wrong status

Check:

  • latest claim status;

  • verification table status;

  • whether verification was revoked or expired;

  • whether there is a pending reclaim;

  • whether cache was cleared after update.

Admin cannot open documents

Check:

  • admin permission;

  • document still exists;

  • file was not deleted by retention cleanup;

  • storage path is readable;

  • web server permissions are correct.

Date/time looks wrong

Check:

  • server timezone;

  • database date values;

  • invalid old timestamps;

  • migrations ran correctly;

  • claim record was created after the timestamp fix.

Request more information does not notify user

Check:

  • user still exists;

  • notification system is working;

  • internal message/notification module is enabled;

  • admin entered a message;

  • logs for notification failure.

32. Best practice for directory growth

ABC Claim is not only a security tool. It is also useful for directory growth.

Admins can create many Spaces as directory entries. Later, real owners can claim them.

This helps:

  • grow the directory faster;

  • keep public information organized;

  • bring real owners into the platform;

  • improve accuracy;

  • increase trust;

  • build partnerships;

  • show which listings are verified;

  • identify unclaimed listings for outreach.

Recommended outreach message:

Your organization already has a Space in our directory. Please claim and verify it so you can manage the information directly and show visitors that the Space is verified.

33. Recommended claim proof levels

Not every Space needs the same level of proof.

Basic proof

Useful for low-risk listings.

May include:

  • website link;

  • email from official domain;

  • social media page;

  • explanation.

Business proof

Useful for companies, schools, nurseries, clubs, and organizations.

May include:

  • company registration;

  • license document;

  • public registry record;

  • authorization letter.

Strong identity proof

Useful for sensitive or high-trust listings.

May include:

  • photo holding ID;

  • photo holding business paper;

  • matching name on registration document.

Only request strong identity proof when necessary.

34. Accessibility and simple use

ABC Claim should be understandable for non-technical users.

Good interface wording should be:

  • short;

  • friendly;

  • clear;

  • not too legalistic;

  • translated where possible;

  • supported by icons;

  • easy to follow step by step.

Buttons should clearly say what happens:

  • Claim Space;

  • Confirm and submit for review;

  • Cancel and delete all claim data;

  • Back to Space;

  • Request more information;

  • Approve and verify;

  • Reject claim;

  • Delete documents.

Avoid unclear labels like:

  • OK;

  • Done;

  • Process;

  • Submit data;

  • Action.

35. Privacy explanation for users

Users should understand why documents are requested.

Suggested explanation:

We request proof only to check whether you are authorized to manage this Space. Your uploaded documents are not public. Only authorized admins can review them. Documents should be deleted when they are no longer needed according to the site’s retention settings.

Users should also know that they can cancel before final confirmation.

Suggested wording:

Before the claim is sent for admin review, you can check your information. If something is wrong, you can cancel and delete the claim data and uploaded documents.

36. Public verification explanation

Visitors should understand what verification means.

Suggested public explanation:

Verified means that the Space was checked by site admins based on submitted documents and available information at the time of approval. It does not replace official authority or registry checks.

This keeps the system honest and avoids promising more than the module can guarantee.

37. Recommended admin policy

Every site using ABC Claim should decide its own policy.

The policy should answer:

  • Who may review claims?

  • Which documents are accepted?

  • How long are documents kept?

  • When is verification revoked?

  • How often must Spaces be reverified?

  • Who can remove old Space admins?

  • What happens after complaints?

  • What happens when ownership changes?

  • Which Spaces are excluded from claiming?

Write this policy clearly and share it with claim reviewers.

38. Simple example workflow

Example: school claim

  1. Admin creates a Space for a school.

  2. School owner registers on the site.

  3. Owner clicks Claim Space.

  4. Owner uploads school license and company paper.

  5. Owner confirms the claim.

  6. Admin checks the documents.

  7. Admin compares with public school records.

  8. Admin approves.

  9. Owner becomes Space admin.

  10. Space shows green verified icon.

Later ownership change

  1. A new owner takes over the school.

  2. Admin receives notice or complaint.

  3. Admin revokes old verification.

  4. New owner clicks Reclaim Space.

  5. New owner uploads updated papers.

  6. Admin approves.

  7. New owner gets Space admin access.

  8. Old owner can be removed as Space admin if no longer authorized.

39. Simple explanation for complete beginners

Think of ABC Claim like the reception desk of a building.

A Space is like a room with a name on the door.

Someone says:

This is my room. I should have the key.

ABC Claim says:

Please show proof first.

The person shows documents.

The admin checks the documents.

If everything is correct, the admin gives the person the key.

In HumHub, the “key” means Space admin access.

The green verified icon tells visitors:

This room has been checked and the person managing it was verified at that time.

If the owner changes later, the new owner must show new proof.

40. Final notes

ABC Claim is designed to make directory Spaces more trustworthy and easier to manage.

It helps site owners grow a directory quickly while still giving real organizations a safe way to take control of their own Space.

The most important principles are:

  • verify before giving access;

  • keep sensitive documents private;

  • delete data that is no longer needed;

  • show verified status clearly;

  • allow reclaim when ownership changes;

  • keep all claim data outside HumHub core tables;

  • use clear admin workflows;

  • make the process understandable for everyone.