1. Importance of Personal Information
At Loans Guide Australia, your personal identity is linked closely to the personal information you share with us. Ensuring the confidentiality and security of your information is crucial to our operations. This policy outlines our practices for collecting, storing, using, and disclosing your personal information. It also explains how you can access and correct your personal information, and what to do if you have a complaint about our handling of your data.
We operate under the legal framework provided by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the 13 Australian Privacy Principles and the Credit Reporting Privacy Code. These regulations apply specifically to individual’s information, not to corporate data.
2. Purpose of Collecting Personal Information
We gather your personal information for the following reasons:
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To process your loan or service referral application in compliance with legal requirements.
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To perform reporting, fraud prevention, and claim recovery as necessary.
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To manage your account and assist in resolving disputes.
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To inform you of other products or services we or our partners offer.
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To potentially sell or share your information with third parties who may offer you services, under certain disclosed circumstances.
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To fulfill any legal obligations to collect or assess personal information.
Your personal information will not be used for purposes other than those stated in this policy without your consent or unless such use is reasonably expected.
3. Consequences of Not Providing Personal Information
Failing to provide your personal information, or consent for its collection from others, may prevent us from offering you our services. This could affect our ability to meet internal obligations and provide the service you seek.
4. Sources of Personal Information
We obtain your personal information through:
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Direct interactions with you during your application or other communications.
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Public sources, such as directories, websites, or public databases.
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Authorized third parties.
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Our website, using "cookies".
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Marketing or lead generation companies.
We will inform you if the collection of certain information is legally mandated.
5. Handling Sensitive Information
Sensitive information includes data about your racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, memberships, sexual preferences, criminal record, health, or genetics. We only collect, use, or disclose this type of information with your explicit consent and when it’s necessary for our operations.
6. Sharing Personal Information
Your personal information may be shared with various parties, including credit reporting bodies, credit providers, your referees, our advisers and service providers, government departments, our financiers, and others for efficient service delivery or legal compliance. Your information may also be sold to or shared with other service providers for marketing purposes.
7. International Information Disclosure
We do not intend to transfer your personal information overseas. However, for backup purposes, some data may be stored internationally with assurances that it won’t be accessed from abroad.
8. Credit Reporting
As we are not a Credit Provider, we do not engage in credit reporting activities as governed by the Privacy Act and the Credit Reporting Privacy Code.
9. Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to access and request correction of your personal information held by us. Requests can be made through our website, email, or postal mail. Identification verification may be required, and fees for providing access may apply. We strive to provide requested information within 30 days and will correct any inaccuracies upon request, informing you of the changes made.
Loans Guide Australia is committed to respecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal data in accordance with applicable laws and our policy guidelines.
