BBB's Commitment to Online Security
Physical, electronic, and managerial procedures safeguard the security and integrity of personal information submitted online. BBB encrypts online billing information. All BBB staff and vendors with access to personal information collected on our Web site are contractually bound to adhere to this policy.
Personal Information That BBB Collects Online
BBB collects personal information submitted online, including names, postal and e-mail addresses, phone and fax numbers, billing information, vehicle information such as vehicle identification numbers, and complaint information. We also collect information from businesses that apply for BBB accreditation and program participation. For sole proprietorships, some of this information could include personal information from individuals acting solely in their business capacity.
BBB’s online complaint form is hosted by the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB), which processes complaints according to its own privacy and security policies.
BBB does not knowingly collect or maintain any personal information from children under the age of 13. In addition, no part of our Web site is designed with the purpose of attracting any person under age 13.
How BBB Uses Personal Information Collected Online
Unless you otherwise consent, we will use your personal information only for the purpose for which it is submitted, such as to reply to your e-mails, handle your complaints, and process business requests and billing related to BBB accreditation and program participation. BBB will use such information in operational notices, program records, and research on marketplace practices. Our research may be reported or published as aggregate data, but will not include any personal information.
How Your Information May Be Shared
When submitting an online complaint, request or inquiry, you allow us to forward your information to the appropriate business and BBB office, if necessary. That method of transmission might not be secure. If you do not provide the requested information, BBB will be unable to process your complaint, or application for BBB accreditation or program participation.
BBB may also share your personal information with CBBB for marketplace practice research. CBBB research will not result in the reporting or publication of any personal information. BBB never sells or rents personal information.
BBB may release your personal information:
- When required by law (for example, a subpoena) or regulation, or requested by a government agency.
- When our records indicate a business may be engaged in fraudulent activity or other deceptive practices of which a government agency should be aware.
- To appropriate authorities when a business fails to participate in BBB’s advertising self-regulatory process.
- To appropriate authorities when your communication suggests possible harm to others.
Update and Review Your Personal Information
If your personal information changes or you would like to review your personal information that BBB has on file, e-mail us with your new information or review request. Include details about the reason BBB has your personal information.
Computer Tracking and Cookies
Our Web site does not track, collect or distribute personal information that is not submitted by its visitors. Our site logs generate non-identifying Web site usage data, such as the number of hits and page views. This information is used by internal technical support staff and may be provided to others. However, the data contain no personal information and cannot be used to gather such information.
A cookie is a small amount of data sent to your browser from a Web site and stored on your computer's hard drive. The BBB Web site uses cookies to provide visitors easier site navigation and access to forms. You can still use our Web site if your browser is set to reject cookies. Our cookies do not create personal data files or read personal data from your computer and cannot be used to identify you.
Questions, Comments or Complaints About BBB's Privacy Policy
E-mail Dwight Kealoha, Hawaii’s BBB chief executive officer with any questions, comments or complaints about this privacy policy.
Revised January 7, 2009