1. The Platform Role
iKnowsome1 acts as a curated platform connecting clients with independent master craftsmen. We provide the infrastructure for discovery, communication, and secure payment, but we do not employ the professionals listed on the platform.
- Identity Verification: All users must complete identity verification (KYC) by submitting a valid government-issued ID (Ghana Card or Passport) and a selfie for manual admin review before they can transact on the platform.
- Profile Photo Moderation: Profile photos submitted by users are placed in a moderation queue and are not publicly visible until approved by an administrator. Photos that violate our community standards will be rejected.
- Communication Integrity: All in-app communication is monitored to prevent off-platform solicitation. Phone numbers and email addresses typed in chat are automatically detected and removed before messages are stored. Users must keep all job-related communication on the platform until the transaction is complete.
- Account Verification: Pros must verify their email address and complete KYC to activate their profile and appear in search results. Clients must complete KYC to hire a pro.
2. Secure Escrow & Job Verification Policy
To ensure total satisfaction and physical attendance verification, all jobs and financial transactions follow our Escrow and Check-In/Out Protocol:
Deposit into Escrow
The client deposits the project fee into the secure iKnowsome1 Escrow account via Paystack. Funds are held securely until the job is completed and approved.
Check-In (PIN Verification)
When the professional arrives at the job site, they check in via the app. A 6-digit PIN is sent to the client via email. The pro enters this PIN to confirm their arrival. GPS coordinates are recorded at check-in to verify the pro's physical presence at the service location.
Work In Progress
Once checked in, the job status changes to "On Site." The professional performs the agreed work. The job cannot be cancelled by either party once the pro is on site.
Check-Out & Completion Request
When the work is finished, the professional requests completion. A second 6-digit PIN is sent to the client via email. GPS coordinates are recorded again at check-out. The pro enters this PIN to mark the job as complete and report their departure.
Client Approval & Fund Release
The client reviews the completed work. If satisfied, they enter the check-out PIN from their email and confirm release. Funds are transferred from escrow to the professional's wallet. The client may also leave a review for the pro.
3. Identity Verification (KYC)
To protect all users and maintain trust on the platform, every user must complete identity verification before accessing certain platform features:
- Provider: Identity verification is performed by our admin team who review your submitted ID document and selfie to verify your identity.
- Documents Required: Users may choose between a Ghana Card (national ID) or a valid Passport. The document images, along with a selfie, are uploaded during the verification process.
- Photo Data: Your ID document images and selfie are stored securely on our servers. Only platform administrators can view these images for verification purposes.
- Verification States:
- Unverified — Default state. Limited platform access.
- Pending — Documents submitted and awaiting admin review.
- Verified — Identity confirmed. Full platform access granted.
- Rejected — Verification failed. A reason is provided. You may retry with a different document or corrected information.
- Retention: KYC data is retained for the duration of your account plus 12 months after account deletion for regulatory compliance. Reviews and reputation data tied to your identity are retained permanently.
OFF-PLATFORM PAYMENTS
Circumventing the iKnowsome1 payment system to avoid fees or escrow protections is a violation of our terms. We cannot protect or verify any work paid for outside the platform.
4. User Conduct & Communication Rules
Users must provide accurate, non-misleading information. Professionals must possess the certifications they claim. All platform users agree to the following conduct rules:
- Honest Identity Information: Providing false identity information is a violation of our terms and may result in permanent account suspension.
- In-App Communication Only: All job-related communication must stay on the iKnowsome1 platform until the transaction is complete. Attempting to share phone numbers or email addresses in chat to move conversations off-platform is a violation of our terms.
- Automatic Contact Masking: Phone numbers and email addresses typed in chat messages are automatically detected and replaced with "[redacted]" by our sanitization system. This is enforced to prevent off-platform solicitation and protect both parties.
- GPS Location Collection: By using the check-in and check-out features, you consent to the collection of GPS coordinates at the start and end of each on-site job. This data is used to verify physical attendance and resolve disputes about job completion.
- Two-Way Reviews: Both clients and professionals may leave reviews for each other after a completed job. Reviews must be honest, factual, and directly related to the job experience. Reviews are permanent and cannot be deleted or edited after submission.
- Professional Standards: Professionals must meet minimum quality standards including a verified email address, approved profile photo, completed KYC, and adherence to their stated service offerings.
- Harassment Prohibited: Harassment, threats, hate speech, or any unprofessional communication directed at other users or platform staff is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate suspension.
5. Cancellations & Disputes
Cancellation rules vary depending on the current status of the job. Funds held in escrow are handled as follows:
- Inquiry / Open / Chatting / Quoted: The client may cancel at any time before hiring. No funds have been deposited, so no refund action is needed.
- Hired (Escrow Funded): The client may cancel and receive a full refund to their wallet. The professional has not yet started work. The entire escrow balance is returned to the client.
- On Site (In Progress): The job cannot be cancelled by either party once the professional has checked in and work is in progress. If a dispute arises, contact support for mediation.
- Awaiting Review (Complete Requested): The client must either approve the work (releasing funds) or contact support to dispute. The job cannot be unilaterally cancelled at this stage.
- Completed / Cancelled: Final states. No further changes can be made. Reviews submitted at this stage are permanent.
For any disputes not covered above, contact our support team. We will mediate and may reverse transactions in cases of proven fraud or platform policy violations.
6. Limitation of Liability
iKnowsome1 is not liable for indirect damages or project delays caused by independent professionals. Our total liability is limited to the platform fee paid for the specific transaction in question.
Additional disclaimers:
- KYC Accuracy: Identity verification is performed by our admin team who review submitted documents. iKnowsome1 makes every effort to ensure accurate verification but is not liable for errors in the verification process.
- GPS Location: GPS coordinates collected at check-in and check-out are used for attendance verification purposes only. iKnowsome1 is not liable for the accuracy of GPS data or any reliance placed on it.
- Payment Processing: Payment processing is handled by Paystack. iKnowsome1 is not liable for errors, delays, or failures in payment processing caused by Paystack or by the user's bank or mobile money provider.
- Third-Party Services: Our platform integrates with third-party services including Paystack and Arkesel. iKnowsome1 is not liable for any service interruptions, data breaches, or failures attributable to these third parties.