Terms of Service
Welcome to Escora. These Terms of Service govern your use of Escora's escrow payment platform and services. By accessing or using Escora through WhatsApp, our website, or any other channel, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. About Escora
Escora is an AI-powered escrow payment platform that protects buyers and sellers in online transactions. We hold buyer payments securely until the seller delivers the agreed item, preventing fraud and building trust in online marketplaces.
Our AI assistant, Cora, manages your transactions through WhatsApp, providing a simple and conversational experience in English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.
2. How Escora Works
2.1 Transaction Process
When you initiate a transaction through Escora, the following steps occur:
The buyer provides item details, seller information, and payment amount.
The buyer pays the agreed amount through our secure payment system.
We hold the payment in escrow while the seller prepares and delivers the item.
The seller confirms shipment or delivery and provides proof.
The buyer confirms receipt and satisfaction with the item.
We release payment to the seller.
2.2 Payment Release
Payments are automatically released to sellers 60 hours after shipping confirmation unless the buyer reports an issue.
If the buyer disputes the transaction before auto-release, the payment is held pending resolution.
Once released, payments are transferred to the seller's registered bank account within 24-48 hours.
2.3 Refunds
Buyers may request refunds if:
Both buyers and sellers are notified when a refund request is available and eligible. Payments are automatically refunded to the buyer's original payment method when sellers fail to ship within 48 hours.
The item is not shipped within 24 hours
Item is significantly different from description
Item is damaged or counterfeit
3. User Accounts and Verification
3.1 Account Creation
You create an account by interacting with Cora through WhatsApp.
Your WhatsApp number serves as your unique account identifier.
You must provide accurate information including your legal name and bank account details (for sellers).
3.2 KYC and Verification Tiers
Escora operates a tiered verification system to ensure security and compliance:
We verify NIN and BVN information against official databases to confirm identity accuracy. Higher verification tiers are required for higher transaction amounts.
Tier 1 Verification
Requirements: WhatsApp phone number, legal name, and bank account details (for sellers)
Transaction limit: Up to ₦100,000 per transaction
Tier 2 Verification
Requirements: Tier 1 information plus National Identification Number (NIN) and passport photograph
Transaction limit: Up to ₦500,000 per transaction
Tier 3 Verification
Requirements: Tier 2 information plus Bank Verification Number (BVN) and passport photograph
Transaction limit: Up to ₦1,000,000 per transaction
3.3 Transaction Limits
The following transaction limits apply to all users:
Users who exceed these limits may be flagged for manual review. Higher limits may be available upon request and additional verification.
Maximum transaction amount: ₦1,000,000 per transaction
Daily transaction limit: ₦3,000,000 per day across all transactions
Monthly transaction limit: ₦10,000,000 per month across all transactions
4. User Responsibilities
4.1 Buyers
Buyers must provide accurate item descriptions and delivery details.
Buyers must confirm receipt of items promptly and honestly.
Buyers must report issues within 60 hours of shipping.
Buyers are responsible for inspecting items upon receipt.
4.2 Sellers
Sellers must deliver items as described within the agreed timeframe.
Sellers must provide proof of delivery through photos with receipts.
Sellers must respond to buyer inquiries and disputes promptly.
Sellers are responsible for item quality and accuracy.
4.3 All Users
Users must not use Escora for illegal activities or prohibited items.
Users must maintain the security of their WhatsApp account.
Users must communicate honestly and respectfully.
Users must comply with all applicable Nigerian laws and regulations.
5. Prohibited Activities and Items
5.1 Prohibited Items
The following items cannot be transacted through Escora:
Illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia
Weapons, firearms, ammunition, or explosives
Stolen goods or items infringing intellectual property rights
Counterfeit products, fake documents, or fraudulent items
Adult content, escort services, or sexually explicit materials
Live animals or endangered species
Human organs, body parts, or biological materials
Gambling services, pyramid schemes, or multi-level marketing
Hacked accounts, stolen data, or unauthorized access credentials
Items violating Nigerian laws or international trade regulations
5.2 Prohibited Activities
Users may not engage in the following activities:
Creating multiple accounts to circumvent transaction limits or bans
Providing false information or fraudulent documentation
Using Escora for money laundering or terrorist financing
Manipulating the escrow system through collusion with other parties
Harassing, threatening, or abusing other users or Escora staff
Attempting to bypass security measures or hack the platform
Using Escora to facilitate transactions occurring outside the platform
5.3 Consequences
Violations may result in:
Account suspension
Transaction cancellation
Payment holds
Permanent ban from the platform
Reporting to law enforcement authorities
6. Fees and Payments
6.1 Escrow Fees
Escora charges a service fee for each transaction, calculated as a percentage of the transaction amount. Current fee structures are communicated during the transaction process.
6.2 Payment Methods
We accept payments through bank transfers, card payments, and other methods provided by our payment processor Paystack. All payments are processed securely through encrypted channels.
6.3 Payment Security
We do not store your complete payment card information.
Payment processing is handled by PCI-DSS compliant payment processors.
You are responsible for maintaining the security of your payment credentials.
7. Fraud Prevention and Security
7.1 Monitoring and Detection
Escora actively monitors transactions for suspicious activity including:
Flagged transactions may be subject to manual review and temporary holds.
Unusual transaction patterns
High-frequency trading
Repeated transactions between the same parties
Transactions exceeding normal user behavior
7.2 Verification Requirements
We may request additional verification at any time, including for high-value transactions, unusual activity patterns, or first-time large transactions. Failure to provide requested verification may result in transaction delays or cancellation.
8. Disputes and Resolution
8.1 Dispute Process
If a buyer or seller has an issue with a transaction, they should contact Escora immediately through WhatsApp. Our dispute resolution team will investigate and work toward a fair resolution. Both parties must provide evidence including photos, videos, receipts, or communication records.
8.2 Resolution Timeline
Most disputes are resolved within 3-5 business days.
Complex cases may require up to 10 business days.
During dispute resolution, payments remain in escrow.
8.3 Final Decisions
Escora's decisions in disputes are final and binding. We reserve the right to release payments, issue refunds, or split payments based on evidence. Users who repeatedly file frivolous disputes may face account restrictions.
9. Limitation of Liability
Escora acts as an intermediary and does not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of items transacted. We are not responsible for:
Our total liability for any claim is limited to the transaction amount in dispute, not exceeding ₦500,000.
User actions
Item defects
Delivery failures by third parties
Disputes between users
Losses resulting from prohibited activities
10. Data and Privacy
Your personal information is collected, used, and protected according to our Privacy Policy. By using Escora, you consent to data collection and processing as described in our Privacy Policy.
11. Intellectual Property
All Escora branding, software, and content are owned by Escora and protected by intellectual property laws. Users may not reproduce, modify, or distribute Escora materials without written permission.
12. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of Escora after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. We will notify users of material changes through WhatsApp or our website.
13. Termination
We may suspend or terminate accounts for:
Users may close their accounts by contacting support. Outstanding transactions must be completed before account closure.
Violations of these Terms
Suspicious or fraudulent activity
Legal or regulatory requirements
Prolonged inactivity
14. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any disputes shall be resolved in Nigerian courts.
15. Contact Information
For questions, support, or complaints, contact us at:
Email: support@getescora.com
Website: www.getescora.com
Acceptance
By using Escora, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.
Questions? Contact us at hello@getescora.com
Escora — Safe transactions, trusted delivery.
