How we keep fraud out.
Mint Souq is operated by a regulated financial firm. The same anti-fraud rigour that applies to investment accounts applies to your marketplace transactions.
Most online classifieds rely on user reports and reactive moderation. We do those too — but they're the last line of defence, not the first. Mint Souq's safety model has four layers, each one cheaper for users than the one above it.
Email verification
Every account confirms a real email before posting. Stops automated spam accounts at the door — no exceptions, even for admins.
Phone verification
A real phone number tied to a real SIM is the strongest fraud signal in the GCC. Verified numbers earn the green phone badge buyers look for.
Government ID
Emirates ID, Iqama, National ID, Civil ID, or passport — submitted privately, reviewed by our team, never displayed to other users.
Trust score
0–100 score combining verification, account age, completed escrow deals, and reports. Buyers see it as a 5-star rating next to the seller name.
Identity-document storage
When you submit a government ID for verification, the document images are stored in encrypted, access-controlled storage operated by Mint Capital Investment LLC. We retain these documents after approval, not just during review. This is deliberate.
If a buyer or seller is later defrauded by another user — and the matter becomes a police case, a regulatory complaint, or a payment dispute — the original ID submission is the evidence trail that lets victims recover funds and lets law enforcement identify the perpetrator. Sites that "delete after verification" leave their users without recourse.
What this means in practice
- Your documents are never displayed to other users. No buyer, no seller, no other account ever sees them.
- Access is restricted to Mint Souq's verification team and senior compliance staff at Mint Capital Investment LLC.
- We may share documents with UAE law enforcement (Dubai Police e-Crimes, Abu Dhabi Police, Federal Authority for Identity), the UAE Central Bank's Consumer Protection Department, or equivalent authorities in your country, only when we receive a lawful request connected to a fraud or financial-crime investigation.
- You can request deletion of your documents by emailing trust@mintsouq.com. We'll honour it unless you have an active fraud case open.
Mint Souq Escrow
For transactions above AED 1,000, you can route the payment through Mint Souq Escrow. The buyer pays into a Mint Capital escrow account. The seller delivers the item. Once the buyer confirms receipt, we release the funds.
The buyer never loses control of money before getting the item. The seller never ships before the money is confirmed.
Both sides know the funds exist and are reserved. Disputes go through Mint Souq's resolution team, not WhatsApp shouting matches.
The escrow fee is a flat 5%, taken from the seller's payout. Buyers pay nothing extra. There are no hidden charges, tiered pricing, or "premium" levels.
Red flags to watch for
Even with verification, common scams still try to operate around marketplace rules. Here's how to avoid them:
"Move to WhatsApp" early
Genuine sellers are happy to chat on the platform first. Scammers push you off-platform fast because Mint Souq's audit logs go away the moment you leave. Do the deal on the platform; arrange viewings off-platform only after price is agreed.
Wire transfer to a personal bank account
If a seller asks you to wire funds to a personal IBAN before you've seen the item — especially "to hold the listing" — it's almost certainly fraud. Use Mint Souq Escrow for any payment over AED 1,000.
Photo too good to be true
Stock photos and screenshots from other listings are common. We run reverse-image checks on uploads, but if a vehicle or apartment looks suspiciously polished, do a Google reverse-image search yourself before paying anything.
Pressure to act fast
"Three other buyers are interested" is a manipulation tactic. Verified sellers don't need to rush you. If you're being pushed, walk away — there are plenty more listings.
Reporting fraud
If you suspect a listing or user is fraudulent, click the Report button on the listing or contact trust@mintsouq.com directly. Reports are reviewed within 24 hours; severe cases are escalated to compliance the same day.
If you've already lost money to a scammer on Mint Souq, contact us immediately. We can freeze the seller's account, flag any associated escrow transactions, and provide the documentation you'll need for a police report or chargeback.