Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of Middleman ("the Platform", "we", "our", or "us"), a secure escrow service that facilitates online transactions between users.

Middleman acts as a neutral third-party escrow provider that holds funds on behalf of users until the agreed transaction terms are completed.

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to comply with these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations.

2. About the Service

Middleman provides escrow services that allow users to securely complete transactions involving goods, services, or digital assets.

When a transaction is created, funds are deposited into escrow and held by Middleman until the agreement conditions are satisfied.

Middleman does not act as a buyer or seller and is not responsible for the quality, legality, or delivery of any goods or services involved in a transaction.

3. Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide accurate account information
• Comply with all applicable laws
• Not use the service for prohibited activities

We may require identity verification to access certain features.

4. Account Registration

Users must create an account to use the Platform.

You agree to:

• Keep your login details secure
• Provide accurate information
• Update your details when required
• Accept responsibility for activity on your account

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

5. Escrow Transactions

The Platform allows two parties to create an agreement where funds are held in escrow.

Once funds are deposited:

• Funds cannot be withdrawn until the agreement is completed
• Funds may only be released according to the agreement terms
• Funds may be held for security or compliance review

Middleman may charge a service fee for providing escrow services.

6. Funding

Funds must be deposited using approved payment methods.

By funding a transaction, you confirm that:

• You are authorized to use the payment method
• The transaction is lawful
• The funds are not from illegal activity

7. Completion of Transaction

Funds will be released when:

• Both parties confirm completion, or
• The agreement deadline is reached, or
• A dispute decision is made, or
• Required by law or compliance review

8. Dispute Resolution

If a disagreement occurs, either party may open a dispute.

Middleman will review available evidence including messages, files, and agreement terms.

Middleman may decide to:

• Release funds to one party
• Refund one party
• Split funds if appropriate
• Hold funds for further review

All decisions made by Middleman are final.

9. Refunds and Cancellations

Refunds are not automatic.

Funds may only be refunded when:

• Both parties agree, or
• The agreement allows cancellation, or
• A dispute decision requires it, or
• Required by law

Middleman may delay refunds for fraud prevention or compliance checks.

10. Prohibited Activities

The Platform may not be used for:

• Gambling or betting
• Games of chance or prize pools
• Fraud or scams
• Illegal goods or services
• Money laundering
• Unauthorized payments
• Any activity that violates payment provider rules

We may suspend accounts involved in prohibited use.

11. Fees

Middleman may charge service fees for escrow transactions.

Fees may include:

• Transaction fees
• Withdrawal fees
• Dispute processing fees

Fees may change at any time and will be shown before payment.

12. Identity Verification

We may require identity verification to comply with financial regulations.

This may include:

• Name and address verification
• Government ID
• Phone or email verification

Failure to verify may limit account access.

13. Security and Compliance

We may monitor transactions to prevent fraud, abuse, or illegal activity.

We reserve the right to:

• Hold funds temporarily
• Request additional information
• Cancel suspicious transactions
• Report illegal activity

14. Limitation of Liability

Middleman is only responsible for providing escrow services.

We are not responsible for:

• Failure of either party to complete a transaction
• Quality of goods or services
• Loss caused by user error
• Delays caused by payment providers
• Events outside our control

15. Account Suspension

We may suspend or terminate accounts if:

• Terms are violated
• Fraud is suspected
• Payment provider rules are broken
• Required by law

Funds may be held during investigation.

16. Changes to the Service

We may update or modify the Platform at any time.

We may also update these Terms when necessary.

17. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

18. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the applicable jurisdiction where the service operates.