Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

HelpHubLocal, LLC ("HelpHubLocal," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, website, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By using the Platform, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Platform.

This policy applies to all users of HelpHubLocal, including HelpHubees (Requesters) and HelpHubbies (Helpers).

2. Data We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, city, state
• Profile Information: Bio, skills, service area, availability, profile photo
• Identity Documents: Government-issued ID, selfie for verification
• Service Requests: Task descriptions, addresses, scheduling preferences
• Payment Information: Processed through Stripe (see Section 5)
• Communications: Messages between users, support tickets

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, click patterns
• Location Data: General location based on IP address, precise location only with consent
• Log Data: Access times, error logs, referral URLs

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Background Check Providers: Criminal history, identity verification results
• Payment Processors: Transaction status, fraud indicators
• Reference Verification: Information provided by your references

3. How We Use Your Data

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide Services: Operate the Platform, facilitate connections between users, process transactions
• Verify Identity: Confirm user identities, conduct background checks, prevent fraud
• Improve Platform: Analyze usage patterns, develop new features, optimize performance
• Communicate: Send service updates, respond to inquiries, provide customer support
• Safety & Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Marketing: Send promotional communications (with your consent)

Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

Where applicable, we process your data based on:

• Your consent
• Performance of our contract with you
• Our legitimate business interests
• Compliance with legal obligations

4. ID Verification Services

To maintain platform safety, we use third-party identity verification services. When you submit identity documents, you consent to:

• Transmission of your ID documents to our verification partners
• Facial recognition comparison between your ID and selfie
• Database checks against government and commercial sources
• Storage of verification results (pass/fail status)

Document Handling

• ID images are encrypted during transmission and at rest
• Original ID images are deleted within 30 days of verification
• We retain only verification status, not the full document images
• Verification data is not shared with other users

Background Checks

For certain Helper tiers, we conduct background checks through licensed consumer reporting agencies. You will receive separate disclosure and authorization forms as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

5. Stripe Data Handling

Payment processing is handled by Stripe, Inc. When you add payment methods or receive payments through the Platform:

• Card Data: Entered directly into Stripe's secure forms; we never see or store full card numbers
• Bank Information: For Helpers receiving payouts, bank account details are stored by Stripe
• Transaction Data: We receive transaction confirmations, amounts, and status
• Fraud Prevention: Stripe may analyze transaction patterns for fraud detection

Stripe's handling of your data is governed by the Stripe Privacy Policy. By using our Platform, you also agree to Stripe's terms.

6. Cookies & Analytics

6.1 Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for Platform functionality (authentication, security)
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Platform
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

6.2 Analytics

We may use analytics services to understand Platform usage. These services may collect:

• Pages visited and time spent
• Clicks and navigation patterns
• Device and browser information
• Referral sources

6.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect Platform functionality.

7. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send promotional emails about:

• New features and updates
• Tips for using the Platform
• Community news and events
• Special offers or promotions

Opting Out

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
• Updating your notification preferences in account settings
• Contacting us at [email protected]

Note: You will continue to receive transactional emails (receipts, account updates, security alerts) even if you opt out of marketing.

8. Law Enforcement Requests

We may disclose your information to law enforcement or government agencies when:

• Required by valid legal process (subpoena, court order, warrant)
• Necessary to protect the safety of any person
• Required to prevent fraud or illegal activity
• Necessary to protect our legal rights

Our Process

• We review all requests for legal validity
• We limit disclosure to information specifically requested
• We notify affected users when legally permitted
• We maintain records of all government requests received

9. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records as required by law

Retention Periods

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law). We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

California Residents

California residents have additional rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what personal information is collected, disclosed, or sold. We do not sell personal information.

11. Account Deletion

You can request account deletion by:

• Contacting [email protected]
• Using the account deletion option in your settings (when available)

What Happens When You Delete

• Your profile will be removed from public view immediately
• Most personal data will be deleted within 30 days
• Some data may be retained as required by law (transaction records, legal holds)
• Anonymized data may be retained for analytics
• Content shared with other users may remain visible

Before Deleting

Please complete any pending transactions and withdraw any available balance before requesting deletion. Deleted accounts cannot be recovered.

12. Children's Privacy

HelpHubLocal is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information as quickly as possible. If you believe a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected].

13. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest
• Access Controls: Role-based access, multi-factor authentication for staff
• Monitoring: Continuous security monitoring and logging
• Vendor Security: Security requirements for third-party providers
• Training: Regular security awareness training for team members
• Incident Response: Established procedures for security incidents

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Reporting Security Issues

If you discover a security vulnerability, please report it to [email protected]. We appreciate responsible disclosure and will work to address valid concerns promptly.

14. Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy
• We will post the revised policy on our Platform
• For material changes, we will notify you via email or prominent notice
• We may require re-acceptance for significant changes

Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

15. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us: