Privacy Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Our Privacy Commitment

VerifiedCarBuyers is committed to protecting your privacy. Our entire business model is built around keeping your personal information safe while helping you sell your vehicle. Unlike traditional car selling platforms, we never expose your phone number, email, or home address to potential buyers. We understand that privacy is not just a feature—it's a fundamental right.

1.2 Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected through our Service, including:

• Our website at verifiedcarbuyers.com and any subdomains
• Our mobile applications (if applicable)
• Communications via email, phone, text message, or other channels
• Social media pages and interactions
• Any other services that link to this Policy

This Policy does not apply to information collected by third parties, including third-party websites, services, or applications that may link to or be accessible from our Service. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with.

1.3 Agreement to This Policy

By accessing or using our Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information in various ways to provide and improve our Service. The types of information we collect include:

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our Service, including:

A. Account Information

• Full name (first and last name)
• Email address (for account communications and notifications)
• Phone number (for verification and urgent communications only—never shared with buyers)
• Password (stored in encrypted form)
• Mailing address (for safe meetup location recommendations—never publicly displayed)

B. Vehicle Information

• Vehicle make, model, year, and trim level
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Mileage and odometer reading
• Vehicle condition, features, and specifications
• Vehicle photos and images
• Asking price and pricing history
• Vehicle title status and ownership documentation

C. Payment Information

• Credit or debit card number (processed and stored by our payment processors)
• Billing address
• Transaction history and payment records
• PayPal account information (if using PayPal)

Note: Full payment card details are processed by our PCI-compliant payment processors (Stripe and PayPal). We do not store complete credit card numbers on our servers.

D. Communication Information

• Customer support inquiries and correspondence
• Messages and communications through our platform
• Survey responses and feedback
• Marketing preferences and opt-in/opt-out choices

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access or use our Service, we automatically collect certain information, including:

A. Device & Technical Information

• IP address (Internet Protocol address)
• Browser type and version (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
• Operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
• Device identifiers (device ID, advertising ID)
• Screen resolution and display settings
• Language preferences
• Time zone settings

B. Usage Data & Analytics

• Pages viewed and features accessed
• Time spent on pages
• Click patterns and navigation paths
• Search queries within our Service
• Date and time of visits
• Referring websites or sources
• Links clicked within emails we send
• Error logs and performance data

C. Location Data

• Approximate location derived from IP address (city/region level)
• Precise location (GPS-based) only with your explicit consent, used to recommend safe meetup locations
• WiFi-based location (if enabled on your device)

You can control location sharing through your device settings. Disabling location services may limit certain features, such as our safe meetup location recommendations.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, including:

• Vehicle History Providers: Carfax, AutoCheck, and similar services for vehicle history reports
• Payment Processors: Stripe and PayPal for transaction verification
• Identity Verification Services: For fraud prevention and user verification
• Public Records: DMV data and title information (where legally permitted)
• Social Media Platforms: If you choose to link or log in via social accounts
• Marketing Partners: Information from advertising and analytics partners

2.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar tracking technologies to collect information automatically. See Section 7 for detailed information about cookies and how to manage them.

3. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

3.1 Direct Collection

We collect information directly from you when you:

• Create an account or register on our Service
• Submit a vehicle listing form
• Make a purchase or payment
• Contact our customer support team
• Subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications
• Participate in surveys, promotions, or contests
• Submit feedback or reviews
• Communicate with us through any channel

3.2 Automatic Collection

We automatically collect information through:

• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device
• Web Beacons/Pixels: Transparent images that track page views and email opens
• Log Files: Server logs that record your interactions with our Service
• Analytics Tools: Third-party services like Google Analytics
• Session Recording: Tools that record how you interact with our pages (anonymized)

3.3 Third-Party Sources

We receive information from third parties including:

• Business Partners: Companies we work with to provide services
• Data Brokers: Licensed providers of consumer information
• Public Databases: Publicly available information from government records
• Social Networks: Information shared through social login or integrations
• Advertising Networks: Information about your interests and preferences

4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

4.1 Provide and Improve Our Services

• Create and manage your account
• Create professional vehicle listings on multiple platforms on your behalf
• Screen and verify potential buyers
• Recommend safe, public meeting locations based on your area
• Provide our dedicated phone line service to protect your personal number
• Deliver customer support and respond to inquiries
• Improve and optimize our Service functionality
• Develop new features and services

4.2 Process Transactions and Payments

• Process your payments through our secure payment processors
• Send transaction confirmations and receipts
• Manage refunds and disputes
• Prevent and detect fraudulent transactions
• Maintain financial records as required by law

4.3 Communications

• Transactional: Order confirmations, listing updates, buyer inquiry notifications
• Service-related: Account alerts, security notices, policy updates
• Marketing: Promotional offers, newsletters, tips for selling your car (with your consent)
• Surveys: Requests for feedback to improve our Service

4.4 Personalization

• Customize your experience based on your preferences
• Remember your settings and preferences
• Provide relevant content and recommendations
• Display targeted advertisements (where applicable)

4.5 Analytics and Research

• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Measure the effectiveness of our Service and marketing
• Conduct market research and analysis
• Generate aggregated, anonymized statistics

4.6 Legal Compliance and Security

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Respond to lawful requests from authorities
• Detect, prevent, and investigate fraud and security threats
• Protect the rights, property, and safety of VerifiedCarBuyers, our users, and others
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions and other agreements

4.7 Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in jurisdictions where GDPR applies, our legal bases for processing personal data include:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to fulfill our service agreement with you
• Legitimate Interests: Processing for our legitimate business interests (e.g., fraud prevention, security, improving services)
• Consent: Processing based on your explicit consent (e.g., marketing communications)
• Legal Obligation: Processing necessary to comply with legal requirements

5. INFORMATION SHARING & DISCLOSURE

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers and Vendors

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Service, including:

• Payment Processors: Stripe and PayPal for secure payment processing
• Cloud Hosting: Supabase and Vercel for data storage and hosting
• Email Services: For sending transactional and marketing emails
• Analytics Providers: For website analytics and performance monitoring
• Customer Support Tools: For managing support inquiries
• Vehicle History Services: Carfax for vehicle history reports

These providers are contractually bound to use your information only to provide services to us and are prohibited from using it for their own purposes.

5.2 Vehicle Listing Platforms

To provide our service, we post your vehicle information (excluding your personal contact details) on third-party listing platforms such as:

• Craigslist
• AutoTrader
• Cars.com
• CarGurus
• Other automotive marketplace sites

Important: Your personal phone number, email address, and home address are NEVER shared in these listings. We use our dedicated contact information instead.

5.3 Legal Requirements and Law Enforcement

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities:

• To comply with a subpoena, court order, or other legal process
• To respond to requests from law enforcement agencies
• To protect and defend the rights or property of VerifiedCarBuyers
• To prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing
• To protect the personal safety of users or the public

5.4 Business Transfers

If VerifiedCarBuyers is involved in a merger, acquisition, asset sale, bankruptcy, or other business transaction, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on our Service of any change in ownership or uses of your personal information.

5.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you have given us explicit consent to do so.

5.6 Aggregated and Anonymized Data

We may share aggregated, anonymized, or de-identified information that cannot reasonably be used to identify you. This includes statistical data about vehicle sales trends, pricing data, and market analysis.

6. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

We use the following third-party services to operate our platform. Each has its own privacy policy governing how they handle your information:

6.1 Payment Processing

6.2 Analytics & Performance

6.3 Infrastructure & Hosting

6.4 Vehicle Services

6.5 Our Control Limitations

While we carefully select our service providers, we do not control how third parties collect, use, or disclose your information. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

7. COOKIES & TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

7.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, understand how you use the site, and improve your experience.

7.2 Types of Cookies We Use

A. Essential/Necessary Cookies

These cookies are required for the basic functionality of our Service. They enable core features like account login, security, and remembering your preferences. You cannot opt out of these cookies.

• Authentication and session management
• Security features and fraud prevention
• Load balancing and server performance

B. Analytics/Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Service by collecting and reporting information anonymously.

• Page views and user navigation patterns
• Time spent on pages
• Error tracking and performance monitoring

C. Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences.

• Language and region preferences
• User interface customizations
• Previously entered form information

D. Marketing/Advertising Cookies

These cookies may be used to deliver relevant advertisements and track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.

• Ad targeting and retargeting
• Measuring ad effectiveness
• Cross-site tracking for advertising purposes

7.3 How to Control Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in several ways:

• Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. Check your browser's help section for instructions.
• Device Settings: Mobile devices typically offer settings to limit ad tracking.
• Opt-Out Tools: Use industry opt-out tools like the NAI Opt-Out Tool or DAA Opt-Out Tool.
• Google Analytics Opt-Out: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.

Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Service.

7.4 Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Because there is no accepted standard for how to respond to DNT signals, our Service does not currently respond to DNT browser signals. However, you can use the cookie control methods described above to limit tracking.

8. DATA SECURITY

8.1 Security Measures We Implement

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it, including:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using TLS/SSL (HTTPS)
• Secure Storage: Personal data is stored in encrypted databases with restricted access
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can view your information within our organization
• Authentication: Multi-factor authentication options and secure password requirements
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Employee Training: Regular security awareness training for all team members
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity and potential threats
• PCI Compliance: Payment processing through PCI DSS compliant providers

8.2 No Absolute Security Guarantee

While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security. Any transmission of personal information is at your own risk.

8.3 Your Security Responsibilities

You play an important role in keeping your information secure:

• Choose a strong, unique password for your account
• Do not share your password or account credentials with anyone
• Log out of your account when using shared devices
• Keep your devices and software updated with security patches
• Be cautious of phishing attempts—we will never ask for your password via email
• Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account

9. DATA RETENTION

9.1 How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

9.2 Retention Periods

9.3 Criteria for Retention

We determine retention periods based on:

• The purpose for which the data was collected
• Legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
• Statute of limitations for potential claims
• Business necessity and legitimate interests
• Your instructions and preferences

9.4 Data Deletion

When personal information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it. In some cases, we may anonymize data rather than delete it, so it can no longer be associated with you. Deleted data may persist in backups for a limited period but will not be actively used.

10. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS (CCPA/GDPR COMPLIANCE)

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. We are committed to honoring these rights regardless of where you are located.

10.1 Right to Access

You have the right to request access to the personal information we have collected about you. This includes the right to know what categories of information we collect, the sources of that information, and the purposes for which it is used.

10.2 Right to Correction/Rectification

You have the right to request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete personal information about you. You can also update much of your information directly through your account settings.

10.3 Right to Deletion/Erasure

You have the right to request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions. We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

10.4 Right to Opt-Out of Sale

Under the CCPA, you have the right to opt out of the “sale” of your personal information. However, NoCarScam does not sell personal information to third parties, so this right does not apply to our current practices.

10.5 Right to Data Portability

You have the right to receive a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and to transmit that data to another controller.

10.6 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where we rely on your consent to process your personal information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing conducted prior to the withdrawal.

10.7 Right to Restrict Processing

Under certain circumstances, you have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information.

10.8 Right to Object

You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information where we rely on legitimate interests as the legal basis for processing.

10.9 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, you may:

• Email us at privacy@verifiedcarbuyers.com
• Log into your account and use the privacy settings
• Call us at 1-800-123-4567
• Send a written request to our mailing address (see Section 16)

We will respond to your request within 30 days (or 45 days for complex requests). We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

10.10 Non-Discrimination

We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights. This means we will not:

• Deny you goods or services
• Charge you different prices or rates
• Provide you a different level or quality of service
• Suggest that you may receive different treatment

10.11 Authorized Agents

You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. We may require written proof of the agent's authorization and verify your identity directly.

11. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

11.1 Age Restriction

Our Service is not intended for children under the age of 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under 18. The sale of vehicles typically requires legal adulthood, and our Service is designed for adult users only.

11.2 COPPA Compliance

In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. If we discover that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will delete that information immediately.

11.3 Parental Rights

If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child under 18 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@verifiedcarbuyers.com. We will take steps to delete such information from our systems.

11.4 Verification

We may take reasonable steps to verify that users are of legal age to use our Service, including age verification during registration.

12. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS (CCPA)

This section provides additional information for California residents pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).

12.1 Categories of Personal Information Collected

In the preceding 12 months, we have collected the following categories of personal information:

12.2 Sources of Personal Information

We collect personal information from the following sources:

• Directly from you (account registration, forms, communications)
• Automatically through your use of our Service
• Third-party service providers and partners
• Public records and databases

12.3 Business Purposes for Collection

We use personal information for the business purposes described in Section 4, including providing services, processing transactions, communicating with you, analytics, and legal compliance.

12.4 Sale of Personal Information

12.5 Shine the Light Law

California Civil Code Section 1798.83 permits California residents to request information about our disclosure of personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes. Because we do not disclose personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes, this requirement does not apply to us. If you have questions, contact us at privacy@verifiedcarbuyers.com.

12.6 Your CCPA Rights

As a California resident, you have the rights described in Section 10, including:

• Right to Know: Request disclosure of personal information collected
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (not applicable as we don't sell)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising rights
• Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Limit Use: Limit use of sensitive personal information

12.7 Submitting CCPA Requests

To submit a CCPA request, you may:

• Email: privacy@verifiedcarbuyers.com
• Call: 1-800-123-4567
• Mail: 30 N Gould St, Ste R, Sheridan, WY 82801

We will verify your identity before processing your request. You may make a request up to twice in a 12-month period.

13. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

13.1 Data Storage Location

NoCarScam is based in the United States, and our Service is primarily intended for users in the United States. Your personal information is primarily stored and processed in the United States.

13.2 International Users

If you access our Service from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our Service, you consent to this transfer.

13.3 Safeguards for International Transfers

When we transfer personal information internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by relevant authorities
• Data Processing Agreements with service providers
• Technical and organizational security measures
• Compliance with applicable data protection laws

13.4 EU/EEA Users

If you are located in the European Union or European Economic Area, your personal information may be transferred to and processed in the United States. We will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with GDPR requirements.

14. DATA BREACH NOTIFICATION

14.1 Our Commitment

We take data security seriously and have implemented measures to prevent data breaches. However, if a breach does occur, we are committed to transparent and timely notification.

14.2 Breach Detection and Response

We maintain incident response procedures to detect, investigate, and respond to potential data breaches. Our response includes:

• Immediate investigation and containment of the breach
• Assessment of the scope and impact of the breach
• Implementation of remediation measures
• Notification to affected individuals and authorities

14.3 Notification Timeline

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:

• Notify affected individuals within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach (or as required by applicable law)
• Notify relevant supervisory authorities as required by law
• Provide information about what happened, what data was affected, and what we are doing to address it
• Offer guidance on steps you can take to protect yourself

14.4 Notification Method

We will notify you of a data breach through one or more of the following methods:

• Email to your registered email address
• Prominent notice on our website
• Direct mail to your physical address
• Phone call (for serious breaches)

15. CHANGES TO PRIVACY POLICY

15.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to modify, amend, or update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations.

15.2 Notification of Changes

When we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you by:

• Posting a prominent notice on our website
• Updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this Policy
• Sending an email notification to your registered email address (for material changes)
• Displaying an in-app notification when you next log in

15.3 Effective Date

Changes to this Privacy Policy will become effective when posted, unless otherwise specified. The “Effective Date” at the top of this Policy indicates when it was last updated.

15.4 Your Continued Use

Your continued use of our Service after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated Policy. If you do not agree with the changes, please discontinue use of our Service.

15.5 Prior Versions

You may request prior versions of this Privacy Policy by contacting us at privacy@verifiedcarbuyers.com.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Response Timeframe

We will acknowledge receipt of your inquiry within 48 hours and aim to provide a substantive response within 30 days. For complex requests, we may need up to 45 days and will inform you if additional time is required.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate data protection authority in your jurisdiction.