1. About Katica
Katica is a secure escrow payment platform published and operated by BytesMind, a company registered in Cameroon under number [RC NUMBER], with its registered office at [ADDRESS], Cameroon.
The platform enables buyers and sellers to carry out secure transactions: funds are held in escrow on Katica until delivery is confirmed by the buyer, then released to the seller.
2. Acceptance of Terms
Accessing and using the Katica platform (website katica.app and application web.katica.app) constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of these Terms of Use. If you do not accept these terms, you must immediately stop using the platform.
Katica reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Users will be notified of any material changes by email or in-app notification.
3. Registration and User Account
3.1 Registration Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid phone number
- Provide an active email address
- Reside in a country where Katica is available
3.2 User Obligations
The user undertakes to provide accurate, complete and up-to-date information upon registration. Any account created with false information may be suspended or deleted without notice.
The user is solely responsible for the confidentiality of their login credentials. Any activity carried out from their account is deemed to have been performed by them.
3.3 Identity Verification (KYC)
To access certain features (Mobile Money withdrawals, transactions above a certain amount), Katica may require identity verification: national ID, proof of address. These documents are processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
4. How Escrow Works
4.1 Transaction Process
- The buyer creates a transaction and deposits funds via Mobile Money
- Funds are held in escrow on the Katica platform
- The seller delivers the agreed goods or service
- The buyer confirms receipt (or scans the delivery QR code)
- Funds are released to the seller's Mobile Money account
4.2 Deadlines
If the buyer does not confirm receipt within the deadline agreed at transaction creation, funds may be automatically released after the deadline expires, unless a dispute has been opened.
4.3 Commission
Katica charges a commission of 7% of the transaction amount, deducted at the time of fund release to the seller. This commission covers processing, escrow and arbitration costs.
5. Disputes and Arbitration
5.1 Opening a Dispute
If the buyer considers that the goods or service delivered do not match what was agreed, they can open a dispute in the app before confirming receipt. Funds remain held in escrow throughout the duration of the dispute.
5.2 Arbitration Process
Katica's arbitration team reviews the evidence provided by both parties (photos, messages, documents) and makes a decision within 48 business hours. The arbitrator's decision is final and funds are released or refunded accordingly.
5.3 Arbitration Fees
For disputes requiring a formal arbitration procedure, additional fees may apply. These fees will be communicated to the parties before the procedure begins.
6. Withdrawals and Wallet
Funds available in the Katica wallet can be withdrawn to a Mobile Money account (MTN MoMo or Orange Money) registered in the user's name. Katica reserves the right to verify that the Katica account holder and the Mobile Money account holder match.
7. Prohibited Conduct
It is strictly prohibited to use Katica to:
- Carry out fraudulent or fictitious transactions
- Launder money or finance illegal activities
- Circumvent escrow mechanisms
- Harass, threaten or defraud other users
- Create multiple accounts to bypass restrictions
- Use unauthorised automated bots or scripts
Any fraudulent conduct will result in immediate account suspension and may be reported to the competent authorities.
8. Account Suspension and Closure
Katica may suspend or close an account at any time in case of a breach of these Terms, suspected fraud or at the request of authorities. Upon closure, available funds (excluding ongoing or disputed transactions) will be returned to the user within 30 days.
9. Liability
Katica acts as an escrow intermediary and is not responsible for the quality of goods or services exchanged between users. Our liability is limited to the proper execution of the escrow service in accordance with these Terms.
Katica shall not be liable for service interruptions, force majeure, Mobile Money operator failures or any event beyond our control.
10. Intellectual Property
The Katica brand, logo, platform design and all content produced by BytesMind are protected by intellectual property law. Any reproduction or use without prior written authorisation is prohibited.
11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by Cameroonian law. In the event of a dispute relating to the interpretation or performance of these Terms, the parties undertake to seek an amicable resolution. Failing that, the dispute will be submitted to the competent courts of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
12. Contact
For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at: legal@katica.app