PAYMENTS & ESCROW POLICY

1. Introduction

Welcome to the SingWithMe Records Payments & Escrow Policy.

This Policy explains how payments are processed, verified, temporarily held, protected, and released when users purchase products or services through the SingWithMe Records platform.

Our objective is to provide a secure, transparent, and fair payment environment for all platform participants while protecting customers, artists, producers, songwriters, service providers, and the integrity of the marketplace.

This Policy forms part of the contractual agreement between users and SingWithMe Records Ltd and should be read together with:

• Terms & Conditions
• User Agreement
• Platform Usage Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Legal & Compliance Framework
• Income Release Policy
• Refund Policy

2. Purpose

The objectives of this Policy are to:

• establish transparent payment procedures;
• explain how escrow operates;
• protect buyers and sellers;
• reduce payment fraud;
• minimise chargeback risk;
• comply with financial regulations;
• promote marketplace confidence;
• support secure payment processing.

3. Who This Policy Applies To

This Policy applies to every user participating in financial transactions on the Platform, including:

• Customers
• Artists
• Producers
• Songwriters
• Service Providers
• Marketplace Sellers
• Business Partners receiving payments
• Future monetisation participants

4. Definitions

Buyer means any customer purchasing products or services.

Seller means any Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Service Provider or other user receiving payment.

Escrow means the temporary holding of funds before they become eligible for release.

Pending Payment means funds that have been received but are still undergoing verification or holding requirements.

Released Funds means payments that have completed all applicable checks and are eligible for withdrawal.

Payment Processor means an authorised third-party financial service provider used to process payments.

5. Payment Process Overview

A typical payment transaction follows the process below:

1. Customer places an order.
2. Payment information is submitted.
3. Payment is authorised.
4. Fraud screening may occur.
5. Payment is successfully captured.
6. Funds enter escrow or pending status where applicable.
7. Compliance reviews are completed.
8. Earnings become eligible for release.
9. Approved withdrawals are processed.

Specific workflows may vary depending upon payment providers and transaction types.

6. Payment Methods

The Platform may support one or more approved payment methods.

Examples may include:

• debit cards;
• credit cards;
• digital wallets;
• bank transfers;
• other authorised electronic payment methods.

Supported payment methods may change from time to time.

Availability may vary depending upon jurisdiction.

7. Payment Authorisation

By submitting payment information, customers confirm that:

• they are authorised to use the payment method;
• payment information is accurate;
• sufficient funds or credit are available;
• transactions are lawful.

Unauthorised payment activity may result in cancellation of transactions and enforcement action.

8. Payment Verification

Before payments are accepted, the Platform may perform verification procedures including:

• payment gateway validation;
• fraud screening;
• card verification;
• transaction monitoring;
• risk assessment;
• identity verification where appropriate.

Transactions may be delayed while verification is completed.

9. Escrow

To protect both buyers and sellers, SingWithMe Records may temporarily hold payments in escrow before earnings become eligible for release.

Escrow helps protect against:

• fraudulent transactions;
• payment disputes;
• chargebacks;
• copyright investigations;
• refund requests;
• account abuse.

Escrow does not transfer ownership of funds but temporarily restricts their availability pending satisfaction of applicable release requirements.

10. Purpose of Escrow

Escrow is designed to:

• protect customers from fraudulent sellers;
• protect creators from fraudulent buyers;
• allow time for payment verification;
• allow dispute investigations;
• reduce financial risk;
• promote trust in the marketplace.

Escrow benefits all parties participating in transactions.

11. Pending Payments

Payments held in escrow or undergoing review may appear as Pending Payments.

Pending Payments are not immediately available for withdrawal.

Pending status may remain while:

• verification is completed;
• fraud reviews are conducted;
• disputes remain unresolved;
• refund periods remain active;
• security investigations are ongoing.

12. Payment Security

SingWithMe Records employs reasonable technical and organisational safeguards designed to protect payment transactions.

Security measures may include:

• encrypted communications;
• secure payment gateways;
• fraud detection systems;
• transaction monitoring;
• identity verification;
• audit logging;
• access controls.

Although every reasonable effort is made to maintain secure payment systems, no online payment environment can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

13. Payment Processors

Payments are processed through authorised third-party payment providers.

These providers operate under their own:

• terms and conditions;
• privacy policies;
• security standards;
• regulatory obligations.

Users may also be required to agree to the terms of the applicable payment processor.

14. Currency

Transactions may be processed in one or more supported currencies.

Where currency conversion occurs:

• exchange rates may apply;
• third-party fees may apply;
• banking charges may apply.

Currency conversion is generally performed by the applicable financial institution or payment provider.

15. Taxes

Users remain responsible for:

• reporting taxable income;
• paying applicable taxes;
• complying with tax obligations;
• obtaining independent tax advice where appropriate.

Where legally required, SingWithMe Records may collect tax-related information before processing payments or releasing earnings.

16. Fraud Prevention

SingWithMe Records is committed to protecting customers, creators, and the Platform from fraudulent activity.

To help maintain a secure payment environment, we may implement fraud prevention measures including:

• transaction monitoring;
• automated fraud detection;
• payment verification;
• identity verification;
• account behaviour analysis;
• device recognition;
• IP address monitoring;
• unusual transaction detection;
• manual compliance reviews.

Where suspicious activity is detected, payment processing may be delayed while additional verification is completed.

17. Payment Holds

In certain circumstances, payments may be temporarily placed on hold before becoming eligible for release.

Examples include:

• unusually high-value transactions;
• newly created accounts;
• identity verification requirements;
• suspected fraud;
• payment disputes;
• refund requests;
• chargebacks;
• copyright investigations;
• compliance reviews.

A payment hold does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing and is intended to protect all parties involved.

18. Identity Verification

To comply with legal obligations and enhance platform security, SingWithMe Records may require identity verification before processing certain transactions or releasing funds.

Verification may include:

• government-issued identification;
• proof of address;
• business registration documents;
• tax information (where applicable);
• ownership verification of payment methods.

Failure to complete requested verification may delay or prevent payment processing.

19. Account Verification

In addition to identity verification, the Company may verify:

• email addresses;
• telephone numbers;
• banking information;
• payment accounts;
• business profiles;
• marketplace activity.

Verification helps reduce fraud and maintain marketplace integrity.

20. Payment Release Conditions

Funds held in escrow generally become eligible for release once all applicable conditions have been satisfied.

These conditions may include:

• successful payment authorisation;
• completion of fraud screening;
• expiry of any applicable holding period;
• absence of unresolved refund requests;
• absence of chargebacks;
• successful account verification;
• compliance with Platform policies.

Meeting one condition does not automatically guarantee immediate release.

21. Chargebacks

If a customer disputes a transaction through their bank or payment provider, the associated payment may become subject to a chargeback investigation.

During this process, SingWithMe Records may:

• suspend the related payment;
• temporarily withhold creator earnings;
• request supporting documentation;
• cooperate with payment providers;
• review transaction records.

Where permitted by law, payment adjustments may be made following completion of the investigation.

22. Refunds and Escrow

Approved refund requests may affect payments currently held in escrow.

Where a refund is approved before funds have been released:

• escrow balances may be adjusted;
• pending earnings may be reduced;
• associated transactions may be cancelled.

If funds have already been released, further action will be taken in accordance with the Refund Policy, applicable agreements, and applicable law.

23. Payment Disputes

Where disputes arise concerning payments, SingWithMe Records may:

• review transaction records;
• review communications between the parties;
• request additional evidence;
• temporarily suspend payment release;
• facilitate communication between users;
• consult payment providers where necessary.

The Company aims to resolve payment disputes fairly and consistently.

24. Security Reviews

Payments may undergo additional security reviews where:

• unusual account behaviour is detected;
• multiple payment methods are used unexpectedly;
• suspicious login activity occurs;
• high-risk jurisdictions are identified;
• payment patterns differ significantly from previous activity.

Security reviews help protect both buyers and sellers.

25. Payment Monitoring

For compliance and security purposes, SingWithMe Records may monitor payment activity to identify:

• suspicious transaction patterns;
• repeated payment failures;
• duplicate transactions;
• multiple linked accounts;
• possible financial abuse;
• unusual withdrawal requests.

Monitoring is conducted solely for legitimate business, security, and legal purposes.

26. Withheld Payments

The Company reserves the right, where permitted by law, to temporarily withhold payments where necessary to:

• investigate fraud;
• comply with legal obligations;
• respond to court orders;
• investigate copyright complaints;
• resolve payment disputes;
• satisfy regulatory requirements.

Any withholding will be limited to the extent reasonably necessary.

27. Failed Payments

Payment processing may fail for reasons including:

• incorrect banking details;
• declined cards;
• insufficient funds;
• payment provider errors;
• banking restrictions;
• technical failures;
• international payment limitations.

Users are responsible for ensuring their payment information remains accurate.

28. Withdrawal Requests

Once funds become eligible for withdrawal under the Income Release Policy, users may submit withdrawal requests through the Platform.

Withdrawal requests may remain subject to:

• internal review;
• fraud prevention procedures;
• identity verification;
• compliance checks;
• payment provider processing.

Processing times may vary depending on the selected payment method.

29. Payment Records

SingWithMe Records may retain records relating to:

• payments received;
• escrow balances;
• released funds;
• refunds;
• chargebacks;
• payment disputes;
• withdrawals;
• payment adjustments.

Records are retained only for as long as necessary to comply with legal, regulatory, accounting, and operational requirements.

30. Cooperation with Authorities

Where required by law, SingWithMe Records may cooperate with:

• law enforcement agencies;
• financial regulators;
• tax authorities;
• courts;
• payment providers;
• anti-fraud organisations.

Such cooperation will occur only where authorised or required by applicable law.

31. User Responsibilities

Users participating in financial transactions through the Platform agree to:

• provide accurate payment information;
• maintain current account details;
• complete all requested verification procedures;
• comply with applicable financial and tax laws;
• protect the security of their accounts;
• report suspected unauthorised transactions immediately;
• cooperate with payment investigations where reasonably requested.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in delays, restrictions, suspension of payment services, or other enforcement actions permitted by law and the Platform's policies.

32. Seller Responsibilities

Artists, Producers, Songwriters, Service Providers, and Marketplace Sellers agree to:

• provide accurate payment details;
• ensure products and services are lawfully offered;
• fulfil customer orders honestly;
• comply with copyright and intellectual property laws;
• cooperate during payment, refund, or dispute investigations;
• maintain accurate financial information.

Sellers remain responsible for any taxes, reporting obligations, or statutory liabilities arising from payments they receive.

33. Payment Security

SingWithMe Records employs reasonable administrative, organisational, and technical safeguards to help protect payment transactions.

Security measures may include:

• encrypted payment communications;
• secure payment gateways;
• fraud detection systems;
• transaction monitoring;
• identity verification;
• access controls;
• security logging;
• periodic security assessments.

While every reasonable effort is made to protect payment information, no online payment environment can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

34. Regulatory Compliance

The Company may delay, suspend, refuse, or reverse payment processing where required to comply with applicable legal or regulatory obligations.

This may include compliance with:

• financial crime legislation;
• fraud prevention requirements;
• sanctions regulations;
• court orders;
• tax reporting obligations;
• payment network rules;
• regulatory investigations.

Users may be asked to provide additional documentation where required by law or by authorised payment providers.

35. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, SingWithMe Records Ltd shall not be liable for:

• delays caused by financial institutions;
• payment processor interruptions;
• exchange rate fluctuations;
• banking delays;
• failures of third-party payment providers;
• temporary payment service interruptions;
• indirect or consequential losses arising from payment processing.

Nothing in this Policy excludes liability where such exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.

36. Suspension of Payment Services

The Company may temporarily suspend payment processing or escrow services where reasonably necessary to:

• investigate fraud;
• protect users;
• respond to security incidents;
• comply with legal obligations;
• perform essential maintenance;
• implement security upgrades;
• investigate policy violations.

Where reasonably practicable, affected users will be informed of significant interruptions.

37. Governing Law

This Payments & Escrow Policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which SingWithMe Records Ltd is incorporated, unless mandatory local legislation provides otherwise.

Any disputes arising under this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of that jurisdiction, except where mandatory consumer protection legislation provides otherwise.

38. Policy Amendments

SingWithMe Records reserves the right to amend this Payments & Escrow Policy from time to time to reflect:

• changes in applicable legislation;
• regulatory requirements;
• payment provider rules;
• improvements to fraud prevention;
• operational enhancements;
• marketplace developments.

The latest version of this Policy will be published on the Platform together with its effective date.

Continued use of the Platform after amendments become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

39. Contact Information

For enquiries regarding payments, escrow services, or this Policy, please contact:

SingWithMe Records Ltd

Registered Address:

5th Floor, 27 Allied Place, 44 Abbey Street, Leicester, LE1 3TD, United Kingdom

Office visits are available by appointment only. Please contact us before visiting.

Payments Team:

support@singwithmerecords.co.uk

Legal & Compliance:

support@singwithmerecords.co.uk

Customer Support:

support@singwithmerecords.co.uk

Telephone:

+447376577937

40. Definitions

Available Balance means funds that have completed all required verification and holding periods and are eligible for withdrawal.

Buyer means any customer purchasing products or services through the Platform.

Escrow means the temporary holding of funds pending completion of verification, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, or other compliance requirements.

Payment Processor means an authorised third-party financial service provider responsible for processing payments.

Pending Payment means funds that have been received but are not yet eligible for release.

Released Funds means funds that have satisfied all applicable release conditions.

Seller means any Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Service Provider, or Marketplace participant receiving payments through the Platform.

Appendix A – Payment Lifecycle

The general payment process follows these stages:

1. Customer places an order.
2. Payment is authorised.
3. Payment is verified.
4. Fraud screening is completed.
5. Funds enter escrow or pending status.
6. Compliance and security reviews are completed.
7. Funds become eligible for release.
8. Seller submits a withdrawal request.
9. Withdrawal is reviewed.
10. Payment is transferred through the approved payment provider.

Processing times may vary depending on payment method, jurisdiction, regulatory requirements, and fraud prevention measures.

Appendix B – Events That May Result in Payment Holds

Payments may be temporarily delayed or held where any of the following occur:

• identity verification requirements;
• suspicious payment activity;
• refund requests;
• chargebacks;
• copyright disputes;
• fraud investigations;
• legal or regulatory requests;
• incomplete payment information;
• unusual withdrawal behaviour;
• security concerns.

A payment hold does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing and is intended to protect all parties involved.

Appendix C – Escrow Principles

The Platform's escrow system is designed to:

• protect customers from fraudulent transactions;
• protect creators from fraudulent payment disputes;
• reduce chargeback risk;
• support dispute resolution;
• allow sufficient time for compliance checks;
• improve confidence in marketplace transactions.

Escrow is an operational safeguard and does not alter the legal ownership of funds except where required by applicable law or a lawful order.

Appendix D – Related Policies

This Payments & Escrow Policy should be read together with:

• Terms & Conditions
• User Agreement
• Platform Usage Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Legal & Compliance Framework
• Income Release Policy
• Refund Policy

Each document governs a different aspect of the legal and operational relationship between users and SingWithMe Records Ltd.

Final Acknowledgement

By making a purchase, receiving payments, requesting a withdrawal, or otherwise participating in financial transactions through the SingWithMe Records Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Payments & Escrow Policy.

You understand that payment processing, escrow, and fund releases are subject to verification, fraud prevention procedures, legal obligations, security reviews, applicable payment provider requirements, and the Platform's related policies.

SingWithMe Records Ltd is committed to maintaining a secure, transparent, and fair financial environment that protects customers, artists, producers, songwriters, service providers, and all members of its creative marketplace while supporting responsible payment operations.

End of Payments & Escrow Policy