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KYC and Identity Policy

Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) are critical to maintaining trust and preventing fraud. We make verification fast and simple so you can trade safely.

Last updated: July 2026

EscrowAfrica Know Your Customer (KYC) & Identity Verification Policy

Effective Date: July 7, 2026

1. Purpose

EscrowAfrica is committed to creating a secure and trustworthy marketplace for individuals and businesses across Africa. As part of this commitment, we require identity verification for certain users and transactions to help prevent fraud, comply with applicable laws, and protect the integrity of our platform. This Know Your Customer (KYC) & Identity Verification Policy explains when verification is required, what information we collect, and how it is used.

2. Why We Verify Users

Identity verification helps us:

  • Protect buyers and sellers from fraud.
  • Prevent identity theft and account impersonation.
  • Comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) obligations.
  • Meet regulatory requirements in jurisdictions where we operate.
  • Maintain a trusted marketplace.
  • Reduce payment fraud and chargebacks.

Verification also helps build confidence between parties transacting through EscrowAfrica.

3. Who Must Complete Verification?

EscrowAfrica may require verification for:

  • Individuals creating an account.
  • Sellers before receiving payouts.
  • Buyers participating in high-value transactions.
  • Business accounts.
  • Users requesting increased transaction limits.
  • Users flagged for enhanced security review.
  • Users involved in disputes.
  • Any account where verification is reasonably required to comply with law or manage risk.

Verification requirements may vary depending on transaction value, payment method, country, or risk profile.

4. Verification Levels

Level 1 – Basic Verification

Suitable for entry-level access. May require:

  • Full legal name.
  • Mobile phone number.
  • Email address.
  • Date of birth.
Level 2 – Standard Verification

May require:

  • Government-issued identification.
  • Selfie or facial verification.
  • Residential address.
  • Date of birth confirmation.

This level may be required before accessing higher transaction limits.

Level 3 – Enhanced Verification

For higher-risk or higher-value transactions. Additional information may include:

  • Proof of address.
  • Bank account verification.
  • Tax identification number (where applicable).
  • Source of funds information.
  • Source of wealth information where required.
  • Additional documentation requested by our Compliance Team.
Business Verification

Business accounts may be required to provide:

  • Certificate of incorporation or equivalent registration document.
  • Business registration number.
  • Registered business address.
  • Tax registration details (where applicable).
  • Names of directors or authorised representatives.
  • Identification of beneficial owners where required.
  • Bank account information.
  • Any additional information reasonably requested to satisfy compliance obligations.

5. Verification Process

Users may be asked to:

  1. Upload identity documents.
  2. Complete facial verification where required.
  3. Confirm contact details.
  4. Submit supporting documentation.
  5. Respond to requests for additional information.

EscrowAfrica may use trusted third-party verification providers to assist in confirming identity.

6. Ongoing Monitoring

Verification is not always a one-time process. We may request updated information where:

  • Identity documents expire.
  • Account details change.
  • Transaction patterns change significantly.
  • Regulatory requirements change.
  • Suspicious activity is detected.

7. Failure to Complete Verification

If a user fails to complete required verification, EscrowAfrica may:

  • Restrict account functionality.
  • Delay or suspend transactions.
  • Withhold payouts until verification is completed.
  • Limit transaction values.
  • Suspend or terminate the account where permitted by law.

These measures help protect all users of the platform.

8. Protection of Verification Information

Verification information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and organisational safeguards to protect identity documents and personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Access to verification data is limited to authorised personnel and approved service providers with a legitimate business need.

9. Fraudulent Information

Providing false, forged, altered, or misleading documents or information is strictly prohibited. Where fraudulent verification attempts are identified, EscrowAfrica may:

  • Reject the verification request.
  • Suspend or permanently terminate the account.
  • Cancel pending transactions.
  • Report suspected criminal activity to relevant authorities where required by law.

10. Policy Updates

We may update this Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, industry standards, or our business operations. Material changes will be communicated through our website or other official communication channels.

Contact Us

Questions regarding identity verification or this Policy may be directed to EscrowAfrica through the official support channels listed on our website.

Our Commitment

Identity verification is one of the ways we protect our community. By verifying users responsibly and securely, EscrowAfrica helps create a marketplace where individuals and businesses can transact with greater confidence and reduced risk.