Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Help Me Nigeria ("Help Me Nigeria," "we," "our," or "us"), an online crowdfunding platform that enables individuals, charities, nonprofits, communities, and organizations to raise funds for lawful purposes.

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, mobile applications, APIs, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By creating an account, browsing, donating, creating a fundraiser, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years old, or the age of majority in your jurisdiction.
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts.
• Provide accurate and complete registration information.
• Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws or sanctions.

We may refuse or terminate access to the Platform at our sole discretion where permitted by law.

3. Definitions

For these Terms:

• Account means a registered user profile.
• Campaign means a fundraising page created on the Platform.
• Campaign Organizer means the individual or entity responsible for creating and managing a Campaign.
• Beneficiary means the person or organization intended to receive the funds raised.
• Donation means a voluntary contribution made through the Platform.
• Donor means a person making a Donation.
• Content includes text, photographs, videos, graphics, comments, and other materials submitted to the Platform.
• Services means all products and services offered through the Platform.

4. Nature of the Platform

Help Me Nigeria provides technology that enables Campaign Organizers to connect with Donors.

We are not:

• A charitable organization.
• A trustee or fiduciary for Campaign funds.
• A financial institution.
• An insurer.
• A payment processor.

Except where expressly stated, we do not guarantee that Campaigns are truthful, successful, or will achieve their stated purpose.

5. User Accounts

To access certain features, you must create an account.

You agree to:

• Provide accurate information.
• Keep your information current.
• Maintain the confidentiality of your password.
• Notify us immediately of unauthorized access.
• Accept responsibility for activity occurring under your account.

You may not:

• Share accounts.
• Sell accounts.
• Create multiple fraudulent accounts.
• Impersonate another person or organization.

6. Identity Verification

To protect users and comply with legal obligations, we may require identity verification before allowing you to:

• Create certain Campaigns.
• Receive Donations.
• Withdraw funds.
• Modify payment information.
• Access higher-risk features.

Verification may include:

• Government-issued identification.
• Selfie verification.
• Address verification.
• Phone verification.
• Email verification.
• Bank account verification.

Failure to complete verification may result in suspension, delayed withdrawals, or account termination.

7. Campaign Creation

Campaign Organizers represent and warrant that:

• All information is accurate.
• The fundraising purpose is lawful.
• They have authority to raise funds.
• Donations will be used as described.
• Supporting documentation will be provided upon request.
• They will update Campaign information if circumstances materially change.

Campaign Organizers remain solely responsible for their Campaigns and the use of funds received.

8. Donations

Donations made through the Platform are generally voluntary and non-refundable except as provided in our Refund & Chargeback Policy or where required by law.

Donors are responsible for reviewing Campaign details before making a Donation.

We do not guarantee:

• Campaign success.
• Delivery of promised outcomes.
• Eligibility for tax deductions.
• That funds will satisfy a particular purpose.

9. Campaign Withdrawals

Campaign funds may only be withdrawn after:

• Completion of required identity verification.
• Completion of any required fraud or compliance reviews.
• Submission of requested documentation.
• Confirmation of an eligible withdrawal account.

We may delay, limit, or refuse withdrawals where reasonably necessary to investigate suspected fraud, comply with law, manage risk, or protect users.

10. Fees

Help Me Nigeria may charge:

• Platform fees.
• Payment processing fees.
• Currency conversion fees.
• Other disclosed service charges.

Applicable fees will be disclosed before or at the time of the relevant transaction. We reserve the right to modify fees upon reasonable notice.

11. Payment Processing

Payments are processed by independent third-party payment service providers.

By using the Platform, you authorize us and our payment partners to:

• Process Donations.
• Verify payment methods.
• Reverse transactions where legally required.
• Prevent fraudulent transactions.

Your relationship with a payment processor may also be governed by that provider's terms and policies.

12. Fundraiser Guidelines

Purpose

These Fundraiser Guidelines establish the standards and expectations for creating, managing, and promoting fundraising campaigns on Help Me Nigeria. They are designed to protect donors, beneficiaries, and the integrity of the Platform.

Eligibility

To create a fundraiser, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction.
• Maintain a valid Help Me Nigeria account.
• Successfully complete any required identity verification (KYC).
• Comply with all applicable laws and our Terms of Service.

Acceptable Fundraisers

Campaigns must raise funds for lawful purposes, including but not limited to:

• Medical expenses
• Education
• Emergency assistance
• Disaster relief
• Community projects
• Registered charitable organizations
• Religious organizations (where lawful)
• Political Contributions (where lawful)
• Small business recovery
• Memorial and funeral expenses
• Animal welfare

Campaign Requirements

Every fundraiser must:

• Clearly describe its purpose.
• Accurately identify the organizer and beneficiary.
• State how funds will be used.
• Include truthful supporting information.
• Avoid misleading statements or exaggerated claims.

Transparency

Campaign organizers are expected to:

• Provide regular updates.
• Respond to reasonable donor inquiries.
• Notify donors of significant changes.
• Maintain accurate campaign information.

Use of Funds

Funds must be used substantially for the purposes described in the campaign. Material changes should be disclosed to donors, and supporting documentation may be requested.

Prohibited Fundraisers

Campaigns must not promote or support:

• Fraud or deception
• Illegal activities
• Terrorism or violent extremism
• Hate speech
• Human trafficking
• Weapons trafficking
• Drug trafficking
• Gambling where prohibited
• Financial scams
• Pyramid or Ponzi schemes
• Counterfeit goods
• Intellectual property infringement
• Child exploitation
• Violence or abuse

Verification

Help Me Nigeria may require organizers to provide documentation supporting:

• Identity
• Beneficiary relationship
• Campaign purpose
• Medical claims
• Educational claims
• Charity registration
• Business registration
• Bank account ownership

Withdrawals

Campaign funds may only be withdrawn after successful identity verification and completion of any required compliance reviews.

Enforcement

Help Me Nigeria may suspend, remove, or terminate campaigns that violate these Guidelines or applicable law. Funds may be frozen while investigations are conducted.

13. Donor Protection Policy

Purpose

The Donor Protection Policy is intended to promote confidence in the Help Me Nigeria Platform by outlining the safeguards we use to protect donors and maintain the integrity of fundraising activities.

Platform Safeguards

Help Me Nigeria may implement measures including:

• Identity verification of campaign organizers
• Campaign review and moderation
• Fraud detection systems
• Transaction monitoring
• Secure payment processing
• Risk-based compliance reviews

Donor Responsibilities

Before making a donation, donors should:

• Read the campaign carefully.
• Review available updates.
• Verify they are donating to the intended campaign.
• Contact the organizer if clarification is needed.

Reporting Concerns

Donors are encouraged to report campaigns that appear to involve:

• Fraud
• Misrepresentation
• Unauthorized use of funds
• Identity theft
• Impersonation
• Illegal activity

Reports will be reviewed by our Trust & Safety or Compliance team.

Investigation Process

When concerns are reported, Help Me Nigeria may:

• Review campaign information.
• Request additional documentation.
• Contact organizers.
• Temporarily suspend withdrawals.
• Freeze available funds.
• Remove campaigns where appropriate.
• Cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory authorities where required.

Refunds

Refund requests are governed by the Help Me Nigeria Refund & Chargeback Policy. Approved refunds will be processed in accordance with that policy and applicable law.

Limitations

Help Me Nigeria provides the technology platform that connects organizers and donors. While we employ reasonable safeguards, we cannot guarantee the success, accuracy, or outcome of every campaign and do not insure donations against all possible losses.

Contact

If you believe a campaign violates this Policy or poses a risk to donors, please contact:

14. Refund & Chargeback Policy

Purpose

This Refund & Chargeback Policy ("Policy") explains the circumstances under which donations made through Help Me Nigeria ("Help Me Nigeria," "we," "our," or "us") may be refunded, reversed, or disputed.

This Policy forms part of our Terms of Service. By making or receiving donations through the Platform, you agree to this Policy.

Nature of Donations

Donations made through Help Me Nigeria are voluntary gifts intended to support a Campaign Organizer or Beneficiary.

Unless otherwise required by applicable law or expressly provided in this Policy, donations are generally final and non-refundable once successfully processed.

Donors are responsible for reviewing campaign details before completing a donation.

When Refunds May Be Granted

Refund requests may be approved under the following circumstances:

A. Duplicate Donations

A donor accidentally makes the same donation more than once.

Examples include:

• Double-clicking the payment button
• Browser errors
• Multiple successful payment authorizations
• Accidental repeated submissions

Refund requests should be submitted within 30 days of the duplicate transaction.

B. Unauthorized Transactions

Refunds may be issued where:

• A payment card was used without authorization.
• An account was compromised.
• Identity theft is reasonably established.

Help Me Nigeria may require documentation before approving a refund.

C. Technical Errors

Refunds may be granted if a payment was processed incorrectly due to:

• Platform malfunction
• Payment gateway errors
• Incorrect currency conversion
• System duplication
• Processing failures

D. Fraudulent Campaigns

If Help Me Nigeria determines that a Campaign was fraudulent, deceptive, or materially misleading, we may:

• Suspend the Campaign.
• Freeze withdrawals.
• Reverse eligible donations where possible.
• Issue refunds where funds remain available or where required by law.

Refund eligibility depends on the circumstances of each case and the availability of recovered funds.

E. Legal Requirements

Refunds may also be issued where required by:

• Court order
• Regulatory directive
• Consumer protection laws
• Payment network rules
• Applicable legislation

Situations Where Refunds Are Generally Not Available

Refunds will generally not be granted because:

• A Campaign did not reach its fundraising goal.
• A Donor changed their mind after donating.
• The Campaign Organizer used funds differently after lawful updates to the Campaign.
• The Campaign did not produce the expected outcome.
• The Beneficiary's circumstances changed.
• The Donor misunderstood the purpose of the Campaign despite accurate disclosures.
• The Donor no longer wishes to support the cause.

Crowdfunding inherently involves uncertainty, and Help Me Nigeria cannot guarantee the success or outcome of any Campaign.

Refund Request Process

To request a refund, a Donor should contact Help Me Nigeria Support and provide:

• Full name
• Registered email address
• Transaction reference number
• Donation amount
• Date of donation
• Campaign name
• Reason for the refund request
• Supporting documentation where applicable

Incomplete requests may delay processing.

Review Process

Each request is reviewed individually.

We may:

• Contact the Donor.
• Contact the Campaign Organizer.
• Request additional documentation.
• Review transaction records.
• Review communications relating to the Campaign.
• Consult our payment processor.
• Conduct fraud investigations.

Submission of a request does not guarantee approval.

Refund Timeframes

Where a refund is approved:

• Processing will generally begin within 10 business days.
• The time required for funds to appear depends on the payment provider, card issuer, or financial institution.
• International refunds may require additional processing time.

Help Me Nigeria is not responsible for delays caused by payment providers or financial institutions.

Campaign Cancellations

Campaign Organizers may choose to close or cancel a Campaign.

Donations made before cancellation are generally not automatically refunded.

If donations have not yet been withdrawn, Help Me Nigeria may determine, at its discretion or where required by law, whether refunds are appropriate.

Campaign Removal by Help Me Nigeria

Where a Campaign is removed for violating our Terms of Service, Acceptable Use Policy, Community Standards, or applicable law, we may:

• Freeze the Campaign.
• Suspend withdrawals.
• Investigate the Campaign.
• Recover available funds.
• Issue refunds where feasible.
• Report suspected criminal conduct to relevant authorities.

Refunds depend on the availability of funds and legal obligations.

Chargebacks

A chargeback occurs when a cardholder disputes a transaction with their bank or card issuer.

Help Me Nigeria takes fraudulent or abusive chargebacks seriously.

A. Before Filing a Chargeback

We encourage Donors to contact Help Me Nigeria Support before initiating a chargeback, as many issues can be resolved more quickly through our refund process.

B. Investigation

If a chargeback is initiated, we may:

• Review account activity.
• Review Campaign information.
• Provide evidence to payment processors.
• Temporarily suspend related accounts.
• Delay Campaign withdrawals.
• Freeze available funds.
• Cooperate with financial institutions.

C. Fraudulent Chargebacks

Knowingly filing a false or fraudulent chargeback may result in:

• Permanent account suspension.
• Loss of Platform access.
• Recovery of associated costs.
• Collection efforts.
• Civil or criminal action where appropriate.

Chargeback Liability

If a Donation is reversed through a chargeback after funds have been withdrawn, Help Me Nigeria reserves the right to recover:

• The disputed amount.
• Payment processor chargeback fees.
• Administrative costs.
• Investigation expenses.
• Other losses permitted by law.

Recovery methods may include:

• Offsetting future payouts.
• Debiting connected accounts where authorized.
• Debt collection.
• Legal proceedings.

Fraud Prevention

To protect the Platform, we may:

• Delay withdrawals.
• Require additional verification.
• Monitor transactions.
• Screen for suspicious activity.
• Limit high-risk transactions.
• Suspend accounts under investigation.

These measures help protect both Donors and Campaign Organizers.

Payment Processor Policies

All payment transactions are processed through independent payment service providers.

Refund timing, reversals, and certain chargeback procedures are also subject to the rules of:

• Card networks
• Banks
• Financial institutions
• Payment processors

Where there is a conflict between this Policy and mandatory payment network rules, the latter will prevail.

Abuse of the Refund Process

Help Me Nigeria reserves the right to refuse refund requests or restrict Platform access where a user:

• Makes repeated bad-faith refund requests.
• Abuses the refund process.
• Attempts to manipulate payment systems.
• Engages in fraudulent activity.
• Violates our Terms or applicable law.

Currency Conversion

Refunds are generally issued in the original transaction currency.

Exchange rate fluctuations, foreign transaction fees, and bank charges are outside the control of Help Me Nigeria, and we are not responsible for differences caused by currency conversion.

Taxes and Fees

Platform fees and payment processing fees may be non-refundable where they have already been incurred, unless otherwise required by law or agreed by Help Me Nigeria.

Donors are responsible for any taxes, duties, or charges imposed by their financial institution.

Policy Updates

We may amend this Refund & Chargeback Policy from time to time.

Material changes will be communicated through reasonable means, including posting an updated version on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of the revised Policy constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

15. Prohibited Activities

You must not use the Platform to:

• Commit fraud.
• Launder money.
• Finance terrorism.
• Engage in illegal activity.
• Mislead donors.
• Impersonate another person.
• Upload malicious software.
• Infringe intellectual property rights.
• Harass or threaten others.
• Promote hate speech or violence.
• Raise funds for prohibited goods or services.
• Circumvent security measures.
• Manipulate donations or campaign metrics.
• Use bots or automated systems without authorization.

Violation of these Terms may result in suspension, termination, removal of content, withholding of funds, or reporting to relevant authorities.

16. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its software, trademarks, logos, graphics, design, and content created by Help Me Nigeria, is owned by or licensed to Help Me Nigeria and protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, modify, distribute, reverse engineer, or exploit any part of the Platform without our prior written permission.

17. User Content

You retain ownership of the Content you submit.

By submitting Content, you grant Help Me Nigeria a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable license to host, store, reproduce, display, distribute, and use your Content as necessary to operate, promote, improve, and provide the Platform.

You represent that you have all necessary rights to submit the Content and that it does not violate the rights of any third party.

18. Campaign Removal

We may remove or suspend any Campaign that:

• Violates these Terms.
• Violates applicable law.
• Appears fraudulent or misleading.
• Poses a safety or security risk.
• Receives credible complaints.
• Is associated with sanctions or prohibited persons.
• Is otherwise inconsistent with our policies.

We are not obligated to provide advance notice where immediate action is necessary.

19. Account Suspension and Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Breach these Terms.
• Provide false information.
• Fail identity verification.
• Engage in fraud or abuse.
• Create unacceptable risk for the Platform or its users.

You may stop using the Platform at any time, but certain obligations (such as payment, dispute resolution, and intellectual property provisions) will survive termination.

20. Third-Party Services

The Platform may integrate with or link to third-party services. We are not responsible for the availability, security, content, or practices of those third parties.

Your use of third-party services is subject to their own terms and privacy policies.

21. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by the Help Me Nigeria Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

22. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE."

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HELP ME NIGERIA DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND AVAILABILITY.

We do not guarantee uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation of the Platform.

23. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Help Me Nigeria, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, and licensors shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, goodwill, data, or business opportunities arising from or related to your use of the Platform.

Where liability cannot be excluded by law, our aggregate liability shall be limited to the greater of the total Platform fees paid by you to Help Me Nigeria during the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim or the minimum amount required by applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

24. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Help Me Nigeria, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or relating to:

• Your use of the Platform.
• Your Campaign or Content.
• Your violation of these Terms.
• Your violation of applicable law.
• Your infringement of the rights of any third party.

25. Compliance with Laws

You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to anti-money laundering, sanctions, anti-corruption, consumer protection, tax, and data protection.

We may cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory authorities where required by law or reasonably necessary to protect the Platform and its users.

26. Force Majeure

Help Me Nigeria shall not be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of government, war, terrorism, labor disputes, telecommunications failures, cyberattacks, pandemics, or interruptions affecting third-party service providers.

27. Changes to the Platform and Terms

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Platform at any time.

We may also update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through reasonable means, such as posting an updated version on the Platform or notifying users electronically.

Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of revised Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.

28. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

Before initiating formal legal proceedings, the parties agree to make reasonable efforts to resolve disputes through good-faith discussions.

Subject to applicable law, disputes that cannot be resolved informally shall be submitted to the courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria, unless another forum is required by mandatory law or agreed in writing by the parties.

29. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

30. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent.

Help Me Nigeria may assign or transfer its rights and obligations in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganization, financing, or sale of assets.

31. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and Help Me Nigeria regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior understandings relating to the subject matter.

32. Contact Information

If you have questions regarding these Terms, please contact: