Payments, Refunds & Compliance Policy

Overview

This Payments, Refunds, and Compliance Policy explains how payments, contributions, refunds, and compliance checks are handled on gmbinvestments.co.za ("the Platform"). This Policy forms part of our Terms of Use. By using the Platform or making payments, you agree to this Policy.

1. Supported Payment Methods

Subject to availability and user location, the Platform may support:

• PayPal
• Credit and debit cards
• Mobile Money services (e.g., MTN, Airtel, M-Pesa, or equivalent)
• International bank transfers (SWIFT / IBAN)

The Platform reserves the right to add, remove, or restrict payment methods at any time.

2. Role of the Platform

2.1 Payment Facilitation Only

The Platform facilitates the collection, holding, allocation, and refund of user contributions either directly or through licensed third-party payment providers. The Platform does not sell properties, act as a real estate broker, or guarantee property availability.

2.2 No Banking Relationship

The Platform is not a bank or financial institution. Contributions may be held temporarily in designated accounts strictly for operational and compliance purposes.

2.3 User Authorisation

By submitting a payment, you authorise the Platform to:

• Collect and process your contribution
• Temporarily hold funds where required
• Allocate, release, or refund funds in accordance with this Policy and applicable participation rules

3. Nature of Payments

Payments made on the Platform may include:

• Membership or Participation Contributions
• Administrative or Platform Fees
• Other disclosed transaction-related fees

Each payment will clearly disclose:

• Amount
• Purpose
• Whether refundable or non-refundable
• Applicable timelines or conditions

4. Currency & Conversion

• Payments may be processed in local or foreign currencies
• Exchange rates are determined by payment providers, not the Platform
• Users bear all currency conversion costs and exchange differences

5. Fees & Charges

5.1 Platform Fees

Administrative or operational fees may apply and will be disclosed before payment.

5.2 Third-Party Fees

Banks, mobile money operators, and payment processors may charge additional fees beyond the Platform's control.

6. Holding & Allocation of Funds

6.1 Holding Period

Funds may be held temporarily to:

• Complete verification and compliance checks
• Manage pooled contribution cycles
• Resolve disputes or refund requests
• Meet regulatory obligations

6.2 Allocation Conditions

Funds may only be allocated or released when:

• Participation conditions are satisfied
• Required verification is completed
• No dispute or refund request is active

The Platform reserves the right to delay allocation where review is required.

7. Refund Policy

7.1 Refund Eligibility

Refunds may be issued where:

• A user cancels participation within permitted timelines
• Contributions were made in error
• Legal or regulatory requirements prevent continuation
• The Platform determines a refund is appropriate under applicable rules

Refund eligibility depends on the specific terms accepted at the time of payment.

7.2 Non-Refundable Payments

Payments marked as non-refundable will not be refunded except:

• Where required by law
• In cases of fraud, error, or material misrepresentation
• Where enforcement would be unlawful or unfair

7.3 Refund Timelines

Once approved:

• Refund initiation: within 5 business days
• Processing times (estimated):
• PayPal: 5-10 business days
• Mobile Money: 1-5 business days
• Bank transfer: 5-10 business days

Delays caused by third-party providers are outside the Platform's control.

7.4 Partial Refunds

Refunds may be reduced by:

• Non-refundable platform fees
• Payment processing costs
• Contractually incurred administrative expenses

8. Payment Method-Specific Terms

8.1 PayPal

Payments are subject to PayPal's User Agreement. Refunds are issued to the original PayPal account. PayPal dispute rules may apply.

8.2 Mobile Money

Users must ensure accurate wallet details. Refunds are issued to the original wallet. The Platform is not responsible for mobile network delays.

8.3 Bank Transfers

Users must provide accurate banking details. Bank fees are non-refundable. International refunds may take longer.

9. Disputes & Chargebacks

9.1 Disputes

Funds may be temporarily held while disputes are reviewed.

9.2 Chargebacks

Users agree to contact the Platform before initiating a chargeback. Unjustified chargebacks may result in:

• Account suspension
• Recovery of costs and losses
• Legal action where appropriate

10. Verification & Compliance (AML/KYC)

10.1 Regulatory Commitment

The Platform complies with applicable anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and financial crime prevention laws, aligned with FATF standards where applicable.

10.2 Identity Verification (KYC)

Verification may be required for:

• Contributors
• High-value or cross-border transactions
• Risk-based compliance reviews

Information requested may include:

• Legal name
• Government-issued ID
• Proof of address
• Business documents (if applicable)
• Payment account details

Verification may be conducted by the Platform or approved third-party providers.

10.3 Ongoing Monitoring

The Platform may:

• Monitor transactions
• Request additional documentation
• Apply enhanced due diligence
• Suspend or restrict access where necessary

11. Transaction Limits & Holds

To meet compliance obligations, the Platform may:

• Impose transaction limits
• Delay or block payments
• Place funds on hold pending review

These actions may occur without prior notice and are legally permitted.

12. Suspicious Activity & Sanctions

Where suspicious activity is detected, the Platform may:

• Suspend or terminate accounts
• Cancel or refuse transactions
• Report activity to the relevant authorities

Users must not be located in or associated with sanctioned jurisdictions.

13. Data Protection

All personal data collected for payment or compliance purposes is processed in accordance with the Platform's Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

14. Limitation of Liability

The Platform's liability is limited to funds actually held at the time of a valid claim, except where prohibited by law. The Platform is not responsible for:

• Third-party provider failures
• Exchange rate losses
• Delays beyond reasonable control

15. Policy Updates

This Policy may be updated at any time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the revised version.

16. Contact Information

For payment or refund inquiries:
Email: gmbinvestments2b@gmail.com
Support Hours: To be published on the Platform

Compliance Disclaimer

The Platform reserves the right to take any required action to comply with AML, CTF, sanctions, and financial crime prevention laws without incurring liability to users.