Terms of Service

1.Agreement to Terms#

By creating an account or using TrustEcho ("the Platform", "our Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our Service. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and EL HYPER HOLDINGS PTY LTD trading as TRUSTECHO ("TrustEcho", "we", "us", "our").

2.Description of Service#

TrustEcho provides Stress Free Transaction Services, a secure payment protection platform that holds funds during transactions between buyers and sellers. Our service:

• Accepts payment from buyers and holds funds securely
• Releases funds to sellers upon buyer confirmation of delivery or automatic release after 7 days
• Provides a secure messaging system for transaction parties
• Facilitates dispute resolution between parties

TrustEcho is the merchant of record for all transactions processed through our platform. We are not a marketplace, auction site, or seller of goods. We solely provide payment protection services.

3.Eligibility and Account Requirements#

To use TrustEcho, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be an individual (not a business entity)
• Be an Australian resident or have a valid Australian bank account
• Complete identity verification through our partner Stripe
• Maintain an active subscription (currently $5 AUD per month)
• Provide accurate and truthful information during registration and verification

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account.

4.Identity Verification and Data Handling#

Third Party Verification

To prevent fraud, we use Stripe, Inc. to verify identity. You will need to provide a selfie and contact data which is forwarded to Stripe Radar directly. TrustEcho does not retain this selfie. TrustEcho only retains basic general information about its customers for contact purposes: phone number, email address, and address for verification purposes.

Consent Before Transaction

By proceeding to create a transaction or complete a transaction (payout), you consent to Stripe verifying your identity. You may however use other marketplaces with no ID, no security, no verification, no transaction security, and no information collected. TrustEcho provides these protections specifically because we believe in accountability.

Data Minimization

In accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Australian Privacy Principles 3 and 11:

TrustEcho does not receive or store:

• Your selfie photograph
• Identity documents
• Government-issued identification (including Passports, Driver's Licences, and Government Identity Cards)
• Credit card or debit card information

We receive only a verification result from Stripe (verified/not verified).

Stripe's Privacy Policy

For details on how Stripe collects, stores, and processes your identity verification data, please review Stripe's Privacy Policy.

5.Transaction Accountability Information#

Separate from identity verification, TrustEcho collects limited transaction accountability data:

What We Collect

When participating in transactions, TrustEcho may collect: phone number, email address, delivery address, IP address, device information, and general location data. This information is used for fraud prevention, dispute resolution, and platform security.

Data Sharing for Fraud Prevention

Transaction accountability information may be:

• Shared with Stripe Radar and related fraud prevention systems
• Reported to global platforms and databases that identify bad actors across marketplaces
• Stored in TrustEcho's accountability ledger
• Provided to law enforcement and regulatory authorities when required by law

Purpose

This data collection creates accountability in online transactions. By participating in a transaction, you accept that your actions are recorded and may be shared with relevant parties to prevent fraud and resolve disputes.

6.Fees and Payments#

Monthly Subscription

A $5 AUD monthly subscription is required to use TrustEcho. This subscription also provides $5 in Stress Free Credit each month, which can be used to offset transaction fees.

Transaction Fees

A 3.5% fee applies to both parties in each transaction:

• Buyer fee: 3.5% added to the transaction total at checkout
• Seller fee: 3.5% deducted from the payout amount upon fund release

Stress Free Credit

Monthly credit received from your subscription automatically applies to offset transaction fees. Credits are non-withdrawable and can only be used for fees.

Non-Refundable Fees

Transaction fees are non-refundable, even if a transaction is cancelled by mutual agreement or results in a dispute.

7.Transaction Process#

Creating a Transaction (Buyer)

1. Buyer creates a transaction with item description and total amount (including shipping)
2. Buyer receives a unique 12-digit transaction code
3. Buyer completes payment via Stripe (with 3D Secure verification)
4. Funds are held by TrustEcho

Accepting a Transaction (Seller)

1. Seller receives the 12-digit code from buyer (through external communication)
2. Seller enters the code on TrustEcho to accept the transaction
3. Seller completes verification by providing: selfie photograph, phone number, email address, residential address, and location data
4. Seller ships the item and provides tracking/delivery confirmation
5. Seller must accept within 7 days or the buyer receives an automatic refund

Completing a Transaction

1. Buyer confirms receipt of item through the platform
2. Funds (minus 3.5% seller fee) are released to seller's bank account
3. If buyer doesn't confirm within 7 days of delivery, funds auto-release to seller

8.Disputes, Cancellations, and Internal Resolution#

Agreement to Internal Resolution

By creating or accepting a transaction on TrustEcho, both parties agree to:

• Use TrustEcho's internal dispute resolution process for any transaction issues
• Engage in good faith communication through our messaging system
• Provide truthful information when describing items and during disputes
• Accept that TrustEcho's accountability model creates binding evidence of transaction participation

Transaction Evidence and Accountability

TrustEcho's accountability model creates comprehensive evidence for every transaction:

• Signed Descriptions: Both buyer and seller confirm and accept the transaction description
• Verified Identity: Both parties complete identity verification with timestamps
• Communication Logs: All platform messages are recorded with timestamps
• Device Information: IP addresses, location data, and device details captured
• Transaction Timeline: Every action timestamped and logged

This evidence proves cardholder participation in the transaction and provides strong documentation for dispute resolution.

Internal Disputes

Buyers may open a dispute if they believe the item was not delivered, is significantly not as described, or the seller has not fulfilled their obligations. Opening a dispute pauses the auto-release timer. Both parties must engage through platform messaging to attempt resolution.

Mutual Cancellation

Either party may request cancellation. Cancellation requires both parties to agree. Upon mutual agreement:

• The transaction principal is refunded to the buyer
• All fees (3.5% buyer and seller fees) are retained by TrustEcho

Chargebacks and External Disputes

TrustEcho will vigorously contest illegitimate chargebacks using our comprehensive transaction evidence, including:

• Verified identity confirmation with date and timestamp
• Signed transaction descriptions accepted by both parties
• Complete communication logs between parties
• IP addresses, timestamps, and location data
• Delivery confirmation and tracking information
• Photo evidence uploaded by both parties

Fraudulent or frivolous chargeback attempts will result in:

• Immediate account termination
• Reporting to Stripe and global fraud prevention networks
• Reporting to relevant law enforcement and regulatory authorities
• Recovery of all costs associated with disputing the chargeback

Fraud Reporting

Confirmed fraudulent activity is reported to Stripe through dashboard with full evidence attached, including verified identity, transaction description, communication logs, and all accountability data. This information may also be shared with law enforcement and fraud prevention agencies.

9.Payout Terms#

Seller payouts are subject to the following terms:

• Payouts are made to the bank account linked through Stripe
• Payouts are processed manually by TrustEcho (not automatically scheduled)
• In compliance with Australian regulations, funds must be released within 90 days of receipt
• The 3.5% seller fee is deducted from the payout amount

10.Taxes#

TrustEcho charges GST (if applicable) only on its service fees. We do not collect, remit, or advise on taxes related to the goods being transacted. Buyers and sellers are solely responsible for any tax obligations arising from their transactions. Sellers operating as dealers or businesses are responsible for their own GST/tax compliance. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

11.Prohibited Activities#

You may not use TrustEcho for:

• Illegal goods, services, or activities
• Fraudulent transactions or money laundering
• Items that infringe intellectual property rights
• Weapons, drugs, or controlled substances
• Adult content or services
• Circumventing our fees or security measures
• Creating fake accounts or impersonating others
• Any activity that violates applicable laws

Violations may result in immediate account termination, forfeiture of funds, and reporting to law enforcement.

12.Dispute Resolution and Chargebacks#

TrustEcho is designed to help both parties resolve transaction issues fairly, using the documented evidence captured throughout the Seven Degrees of Separation™ framework. The following principles apply to all disputes and chargebacks involving funds held on the platform.

• Where reasonably possible, users agree to notify TrustEcho of any transaction dispute before initiating a chargeback with their bank or payment provider, so the matter can first be reviewed using the transaction record.
• TrustEcho will provide both parties a reasonable opportunity to submit evidence and to attempt resolution through the platform's internal dispute process before any protected funds are released.
• Nothing in these Terms removes, restricts or limits a user's legal right to contact their bank, card issuer or payment provider, or to exercise any statutory rights available to them.
• TrustEcho reserves the right to suspend or permanently ban accounts that intentionally abuse the platform, submit fraudulent or misleading disputes, misuse chargeback mechanisms, or repeatedly breach these Terms of Service.
• Fraudulent use of chargebacks, including chargebacks raised in bad faith or in contradiction of the documented transaction record, may be treated as a material breach of these Terms and may result in account termination, recovery of associated costs, and reporting to relevant fraud prevention networks and authorities.

13.Account Suspension and Termination#

TrustEcho reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Suspected fraudulent activity
• Multiple disputes or chargebacks
• Failure to complete identity verification
• Providing false or misleading information

Upon termination, pending transactions will be resolved according to their current status. We may retain information as required by law.

14.User Conduct and Respect for Staff#

TrustEcho operates on principles of accountability and trust. These principles apply to all interactions, including communications with our support staff and operators.

Abuse, threats, harassment, or disrespectful behaviour toward TrustEcho staff is taken seriously and may result in your account being permanently banned.

Prohibited conduct includes:

• Verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation toward staff
• Harassing or repeatedly contacting staff after being asked to stop
• Using offensive, discriminatory, or abusive language
• Attempting to manipulate or deceive support staff
• Making false complaints or accusations against staff

Thank you for your understanding. We are here to help, and mutual respect ensures the best outcome for everyone.

15.Limitation of Liability#

TrustEcho acts solely as a payment protection intermediary. To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• We are not responsible for the quality, safety, legality, or delivery of items exchanged between users
• We are not liable for losses arising from transactions between users
• Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific transaction in question
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

Users engage in transactions at their own risk. We encourage due diligence before transacting.

16.Indemnification#

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TrustEcho, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of another party.

17.Modifications to Terms#

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notification at least 14 days before taking effect. Your continued use of TrustEcho after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Service.

18.Governing Law and Jurisdiction#

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of TrustEcho will be resolved in the courts of Victoria, Australia. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of these courts.

19.Severability#

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

20.Entire Agreement#

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and TrustEcho regarding your use of the Service.

21.Contact Us#

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: