Introduction

This Privacy Statement deals with information that a user may provide on the Alliance Merchant Services USA Inc. (known as AMSUS) websites. For the purposes of this Statement, AMSUS definition of 'user' encompasses merchants, affiliate members, partners, sales agents, sponsors, customers, cardholders and any other visitor who discloses information to the company. AMSUS is committed to respecting the privacy of your personal information and wants to promote trust and confidence on the Internet. AMSUS hereby outlines the type of information that is collected and tracked on this website and how AMSUS uses this information in its business operations.

This Privacy Statement Describes

1. The personally identifiable information AMSUS collects.
2. How AMSUS uses the information.
3. With whom AMSUS may share the information.
4. The safeguards that are in place to prevent loss and/or misuse of the information and to maintain its integrity.
5. How users can update or correct personal information.
6. The notification of changes to our Privacy Policy.

Collection of Information

AMSC collects information from its users in the following methods:

Registration

AMSUS collects personally identifiable information on its users through the registration process (merchant account applications, affiliate program application, partners' program application and customer's purchase information) where the applicant is required to give some of the following contact information: company information, product information, technical information, credit card information, account executive name, telephone number, email address, address.

Ordering

In order to complete an application form or a customer information request, the user is required to provide AMSUS with the following information: name, mailing address, shipping address, email address, phone number and credit card information. This information is used to complete the account application process, to complete the customer's information request and to verify the validity of a request. AMSUS does not store credit card information on file.

Tracking

Users' Internet Protocol (IP) address is automatically received and collected when they visit some AMSUS websites. AMSUS also tracks information such as the domain name from which a user visits us, the pages a user requests, and the amount of time that a user spends on the site. From the IP address, AMSUS can only determine the Internet Service Provider and the geographic location of user's point of connectivity. This information is used in the aggregate for statistical purposes.

Use of Information

Information Collected Through Tracking

The information that AMSUS collects is used in the aggregate to obtain demographic information about the entire AMSUS audience in order to improve service to its customers and merchants, to perform statistical analysis of the collective characteristics and behaviour of its users. From this information, AMSUS can measure overall patron demographics and interests regarding specific areas of the AMSUS domain and to analyze how and where to apply its resources. AMSUS also uses the collected aggregate data to inform its sponsors of the number of visitors who have seen and "clicked" on their advertisements. Cookies are used to determine what particular content (e.g. advertising) users view, how long they view it, which content or sites that users link to, and which services members and visitors tend to use.

Information Collected through Registration

Merchants' personal information is used to set up the merchant's account, to send the merchants updates, or changes to AMSUS list of services. AMSUS uses credit card information to fulfil the merchant account application process. Customers' personal and payment information is used to confirm the customer's identity and to provide information concerning the customer's online order. All queries are initiated by the customer, through his/her entering of personally identifiable data on websites operated by AMSUS serving as a customer service site.

Sharing of Information

AMSUS uses commercially reasonable precautions to keep all disclosed personal information secure. Information collected through tracking and registration will not be shared or sold to third parties for any purpose except as provided in this Privacy Policy without the user's express permission.

Financial Institutions

AMSUS credit card transactions are handled by third-party financial institutions that receive the credit card number and other personal information in order to verify the validity of the credit card numbers and process the transactions.

Law Enforcement Investigations

AMSUS may be required to disclose personal information when required by law wherein it believes that such disclosure is necessary to comply with legal proceedings. AMSUS responds to subpoenas, warrants, or other court orders regarding information that is contained within our access logs concerning any merchant, user, customer or visitor. AMSUS reserves the right to release information concerning any user who is believed to be in violation of contract, regulations, laws or guidelines, even without a subpoena, warrant, or other court order. AMSUS cooperates with law enforcement agencies in identifying those who use its services for illegal activities. AMSUS also reserves the right to report any deemed illegal activity by its users to law enforcement agencies.

Clients

In the event of an inquiry or a dispute by a customer, AMSUS only releases information about the merchant such as, Customer Service Phone Line (if provided by the merchant), merchant's administrative contact information, and merchant's website.

Third Party

AMSUS discloses information only to third parties who are business partners that provide intrinsic services (i.e. credit card companies) and who are required to treat the information with the same degree of care. Please note that AMSUS' website links to a wide variety of other websites, and AMSUS is not accountable for their privacy policies or how they treat information about their users. Please note that AMSUS does not control the acts of its users, merchants, suppliers, etc. All users should be aware that, when they disclose personal information to third parties on or off the AMSUS websites, the information may be collected and used to send that user unsolicited email. In the event that a customer encounters an AMSUS merchant who is improperly collecting or using personal information, please contact AMSUS immediately.

Security

AMSUS uses commercially reasonable precautions, such as security software, physical security features and strict policy guidelines to safeguard the privacy of its users' personal information; it is also committed to constantly improving its security measures as new technology is made available. AMSUS works diligently to protect the safety of customers' online purchases and merchants' sensitive information by using authentication technology (certificates) and encryption technology (SSL). Our secure server software encrypts all personal information, including credit card information and/or social security number, which is transmitted over the Internet to and from AMSUS websites.

Updating and Correcting Information

If you would like to view the information AMSUS has collected about you, correct your information or opt not to consent to certain uses of your personal information, please contact your assigned account executive, who will assist you in this process. If you have questions or suggestions, we can be reached at:

Alliance Merchant Services USA Inc.
Waterford Business Park
5201 Blue Lagoon Drive, 8th Floor & 9th Floor, Miami, FL, 33126
U.S.A.
Attn: Privacy Officer

Changes to the Privacy Statement

This Statement is subject to change as AMSUS enhances its services and products, as well as being amended to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. Users who have a contract with Alliance Merchant Services USA Inc. will be notified of any changes and other users will be notified prior to collecting such information, as well as of changes to any other part of the business that Alliance Merchant Services USA Inc. deems appropriate for disclosure.

If AMSUS intends to use personal information in a manner other than is stated at the time of collection, users will be notified and given the opportunity to consent to such a use.

Note: Users of AMSUS websites must abide by the regulations and laws of their country of origin.