KYC and Verification

At Shikaka, the integrity of our platform and the security of our players are paramount. Verifying your identity is a fundamental step in achieving these goals. This process allows us to confirm that you are who you claim to be, helping to prevent fraud, underage gambling, and other illicit activities. By understanding our Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, you contribute to a safer and more transparent gaming environment for everyone at Shikaka.

KYC, or Know Your Customer, refers to the mandatory process of identifying and verifying the identity of our customers. This is a crucial regulatory requirement for all licensed online gambling operators, including Shikaka. It involves collecting and assessing specific personal documentation to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws, counter-terrorism financing regulations, and responsible gaming policies. Our KYC procedures are designed to protect both our players and our operations from financial crime and identity theft.

Verification is an ongoing process at Shikaka and may be required at several stages of your interaction with our platform:

• Upon Registration: We conduct initial checks when you create an account to ensure basic compliance.
• Before Your First Withdrawal: To process your first withdrawal, full identity verification is typically required. This is a standard measure to prevent fraud and ensure funds are returned to the rightful account holder.
• When Reaching Specific Deposit or Withdrawal Thresholds: Our licensing authority mandates further checks once certain monetary thresholds are met, either cumulatively or in single transactions.
• During Periodic Reviews: We conduct routine reviews of customer accounts to ensure the information we hold remains current and accurate.
• If There Are Changes to Your Account Details: Should you update significant personal information, we may request re-verification.
• When Unusual Activity Is Detected: Any suspicious or unusual account activity may trigger an immediate verification request as part of our security protocols.

To complete the verification process, you will typically be asked to provide copies of specific documents. These documents help us confirm your identity, address, and ownership of payment methods. All submitted documents must be valid, current, and clearly legible. We will always specify exactly which documents are needed for your particular verification request.

To verify your identity, we require a clear, colour copy of one of the following government-issued identification documents:

• Passport: The photo page, ensuring the full document is visible, including your photo, name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, signature, document number, and expiry date.
• National Identity Card: Both the front and back of the card, showing all relevant details clearly.
• Driver's Licence: Both the front and back of the licence, displaying your photo, name, date of birth, and signature.

The document must be valid and unexpired. All four corners of the document must be visible in the image, and there should be no glare or obstructions.

To verify your residential address, we require a clear copy of one of the following documents issued within the last three months:

• Utility Bill: Such as electricity, gas, water, internet, or landline telephone bill. Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted.
• Bank Statement: A statement from a recognised financial institution.
• Credit Card Statement: A statement from a recognised financial institution.
• Government-Issued Correspondence: Official letters from government bodies, such as tax statements.

The document must clearly show your full name, your current residential address, and the issue date. The date of issue must be no older than three months from the date of submission. P.O. Box addresses are not accepted for proof of address.

To ensure the security of financial transactions and prevent fraud, we may require verification of the payment methods you use to deposit or withdraw funds at Shikaka.

• Credit/Debit Cards: For card payments, we may request a copy of the front and back of the card. You must obscure the middle six digits of the 16-digit card number on the front, and the three-digit CVV/CVC code on the back. Your name, the first six and last four digits of the card number, and the expiry date must remain visible.
• E-Wallets (e.g., Neteller, Skrill): We may ask for a screenshot of your e-wallet account page, clearly showing your name, email address, and account ID.
• Bank Transfers: For bank transfers, a copy of a bank statement or a screenshot of your online banking portal showing your name, account number, and the bank's logo may be required.

The name on the payment method must match the name registered on your Shikaka account.

In certain circumstances, particularly for high-value transactions or if regulatory requirements dictate, Shikaka may be required to conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD). This involves requesting documentation to verify your Source of Funds (SOF) or Source of Wealth (SOW). This is a crucial step in our anti-money laundering obligations.

Examples of documents that may be requested include:

• Payslips or employment contracts.
• Bank statements showing regular income.
• Proof of inheritance.
• Sale of property documentation.
• Investment portfolio statements.

We understand that these requests are more intrusive, but they are necessary to maintain the integrity of our platform and comply with financial regulations. All information provided for SOF/SOW will be handled with the strictest confidence.

Once you submit your documents, our dedicated verification team will review them. We strive to process all verification requests as quickly as possible. Typically, initial document reviews are completed within 24-48 hours. However, this timeframe may be extended during peak periods or if additional information or clearer copies of documents are required. You will be notified via email or through your Shikaka account portal regarding the status of your verification. Please ensure that the documents you submit meet all the specified requirements to avoid delays.

At Shikaka, we employ robust security measures to protect your personal information and submitted documents. All data is transmitted and stored using advanced encryption technologies, adhering to strict data protection regulations, including GDPR. Access to your documents is restricted to authorised personnel only, who are trained in data privacy and security protocols. We never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your trust and privacy are fundamental to our operations.

Shikaka is committed to combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Our KYC and verification procedures are integral to our comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) framework. We operate under strict guidelines set by our licensing authority and international financial regulations. By verifying customer identities and monitoring transactions, we actively work to prevent our platform from being used for illegal activities. Any suspicious transactions or activities are reported to the relevant authorities, as legally required.

Preventing underage gambling is a core responsibility for Shikaka. Our verification processes include rigorous age verification checks to ensure that all our players are 18 years of age or older, or the legal gambling age in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. We utilise the date of birth provided during registration and cross-reference it with the identification documents submitted. Any attempt by a minor to register or gamble will result in immediate account closure and reporting to relevant bodies. We encourage parents and guardians to use filtering software to prevent minors from accessing gambling sites.

If your verification is delayed, it usually means that the documents submitted were unclear, incomplete, or did not meet our specific requirements. We will contact you to explain the reason for the delay and request further information or resubmission of documents. If verification is ultimately unsuccessful, for example, if we cannot confirm your identity or if there are discrepancies in the information provided, your account may be suspended or closed. In such cases, any funds held in your account may be frozen, and we will follow our regulatory obligations regarding their disposition. We will always communicate the reasons for unsuccessful verification, where legally permissible.

Should you have any questions or require assistance with the KYC and verification process, our dedicated customer support team is available to help. You can reach us via:

• Live Chat: Available directly on the Shikaka website during operational hours.
• Email: Send your queries to [insert support email address here].

Our team is trained to guide you through the requirements and resolve any issues you may encounter efficiently and respectfully. Please do not hesitate to contact us for clarification or support regarding your verification status.