# DealShield — Terms of Service

**Last Updated: August 25, 2026**

## 1. Introduction

DealShield ("we", "us", "our") is an escrow platform that protects buyers and sellers in transactions involving cars, gold, currency, land, oil, and other high-value goods. By using DealShield (via our website, Android app, or WhatsApp bot), you agree to these Terms.

## 2. How DealShield Works

1. **Buyer** deposits payment into DealShield escrow
2. **Seller** delivers the goods
3. **Buyer** confirms receipt
4. DealShield releases funds to the seller (minus 2.5% commission)

DealShield acts as a neutral third-party escrow agent. We do not take ownership of goods being traded.

## 3. Fees

- **Commission**: 2.5% of the transaction amount, charged to the seller on completed deals
- **Payment Gateway Fees**: Paystack/Flutterwave processing fees (1.5%) apply to deposits
- **No Hidden Fees**: We do not charge for account creation, wallet storage, or withdrawals

## 4. User Responsibilities

### Buyers must:
- Pay the agreed amount into escrow before the seller ships
- Confirm receipt within 48 hours of delivery, or open a dispute
- Provide accurate delivery information

### Sellers must:
- Ship goods as described in the listing
- Upload video proof for high-value items (gold, land)
- Use verified logistics providers for tracked shipments

### All users must:
- Provide real name, phone number, and NIN for verification
- Not use DealShield for illegal goods, money laundering, or fraud
- Not create multiple accounts to manipulate reviews

## 5. Escrow Rules

- Funds in escrow are held safely and cannot be accessed by DealShield for any purpose other than releasing to the seller or refunding the buyer
- If the buyer does not confirm receipt within 7 days and does not open a dispute, funds are automatically released to the seller
- If a dispute is opened, DealShield reviews evidence from both parties and resolves within 48 hours

## 6. Disputes

- Either party may open a dispute before funds are released
- DealShield's decision is final and binding
- Evidence includes: chat logs, delivery confirmation, video proof, and tracking data
- If the seller is found at fault, the buyer receives a full refund
- If the buyer is found at fault (e.g., received goods but falsely claimed non-delivery), the seller receives the funds

## 7. Verification & Trust Badges

- **NIN Verified**: National Identity Number confirmed
- **BVN Verified**: Bank Verification Number confirmed
- **Business Verified**: CAC registration confirmed
- **Phone Verified**: Phone number confirmed via OTP

Trust badges are based on verified data. DealShield does not guarantee the character or reliability of any user.

## 8. AI Fraud Detection

DealShield uses AI to analyze listings for potential fraud. This is a tool to assist users, not a guarantee. DealShield is not liable for transactions that proceed despite an AI fraud warning.

## 9. Limitation of Liability

- DealShield's maximum liability is limited to the commission charged on the specific transaction
- We are not liable for the quality, safety, or legality of goods traded
- We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
- We are not liable if a user misrepresents themselves despite our verification processes

## 10. Account Suspension

We may suspend accounts for:
- Fraud or attempted fraud
- Money laundering or illegal activity
- Creating fake reviews or manipulating ratings
- Violating these Terms

Suspended accounts forfeit pending commissions. Funds in escrow are returned to their rightful owner.

## 11. Privacy

See our Privacy Policy for how we handle your data.

## 12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Disputes are resolved in Nigerian courts.

## 13. Contact

- Email: support@dealshield.ng
- WhatsApp: +234 (DealShield bot)
- Website: https://dealshield-website.vercel.app

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