At Consumer Trust Advocacy (a DBA of Philo Council, a 501(c)(3) organization), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information when you interact with our website, services, and programs. By accessing or using our services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
• Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and other similar contact information.
• Professional Information: Information related to your business, profession, or credentials (if you're applying for our vetting services).
• Financial Information: Credit card numbers, billing information, or payment details when you purchase services from us.
• Technical Information: IP addresses, browser type, and information about how you use our website (collected through cookies and analytics tools).
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
• Providing Services: To process your requests, manage your membership, and deliver the services you have signed up for.
• Vetting and Verification: If you apply for our vetted seal, we use your professional and personal information to perform background checks and verify your qualifications.
• Background and Criminal Checks:
For added trust and security, we use Authenticate®’s Background Verifications to verify a user's employment, education, professional licenses, and other credentials. Additionally, we conduct criminal background checks to mitigate risks using Authenticate®’s services. These checks can be either instant or more comprehensive, ensuring enhanced security while minimizing costs. The information provided through these checks helps ensure that individuals and businesses vetted by Consumer Trust Advocacy meet the highest standards of
trustworthiness.
• Communication: To send you updates, service confirmations, newsletters, and other information related to our services.
• Improvement of Services: To analyze and improve our website, services, and user experience.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes, including maintaining records of your membership and services.
How We Protect Your Information
We take the security of your personal information seriously. We use industry-standard security measures to protect against unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration of your information. These measures include:
• Encryption: Sensitive information (such as payment details) is encrypted during transmission.
• Access Controls: Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel who need the information to provide services.
• Data Retention: We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply with legal requirements.
Sharing Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with trusted third parties under the following circumstances:
• Service Providers: We may share your information with vendors or partners who assist us in delivering services (e.g., payment processors, background check providers like Authenticate®).
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or in response to a valid legal request, we may disclose your personal information to government authorities or other entities.
• Business Transfers: If our organization is involved in a merger, acquisition, or dissolution, your information may be transferred as part of that process, and you will be notified of any changes.
Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
• Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold
about you.
• Correction: You can request that we update or correct any inaccuracies in your personal information.
• Deletion: You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Opt-Out: You can opt out of receiving marketing or promotional communications from us at any time by following the instructions in the communication or contacting us directly.
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies help us understand how you use our site, personalize your experience, and deliver relevant content. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, but disabling cookies may limit your use of certain features of our website.
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete it.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we update the policy, we will revise the "Effective Date" at the top and notify you of any significant changes.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us at:
Consumer Trust Advocacy