FINGERHUT.COM
Online Privacy Policy
Effective Date: November 1, 2009
Welcome to Fingerhut.com (this "Site").
Fingerhut (“we,” “us,” “our,” and “Fingerhut”) cares about your privacy. We value your trust and will work hard to earn and keep it.
As part of our commitment to your privacy, Fingerhut adheres to the guidelines and practices of the Direct Marketing Association’s “Privacy Promise to American Consumers.” We have agreed to
- provide you with notice of how to opt out of having your personal information shared with other direct marketers,
- honor your requests not to share your personal information with other direct marketers, and
- honor your requests not to receive mail, telephone, email or other solicitations from Fingerhut or our marketing partners.
Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Online Privacy Policy (this “Privacy Policy”) covers all of the “personal information” we collect through this Site, except the information you
provide when you apply for a MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account. The personal information you provide when you apply for a MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account is
collected on behalf of MetaBank and is covered by MetaBank’s privacy policy. For more information, click here.
What is Personal Information?
“Personal Information” is information that identifies you personally, either alone or in combination with other information available to us.
Examples of personal information include your name, address, email address, credit card information, and the information you provide when you
make a purchase.
Your Consent
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO REVIEW THIS PRIVACY POLICY. BY ACCESSING OR USING THIS SITE YOU ARE CONSENTING TO THE COLLECTION, USE AND DISCLOSURE
OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION AS SET FORTH IN THIS PRIVACY POLICY.
If you do not consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information as set forth in this privacy policy, please do not use this site.
This Privacy Policy is Part of Our Terms of Use
This Privacy Policy is incorporated by reference and is part of the Fingerhut Terms of Use (“Terms of Use”) governing your use of this Site. Our Terms of
Use contain the terms on which you may purchase products and services through this Site. Please take a few minutes to review our Terms of Use, if you have
not already done so. You may access the current version of the Terms of Use at any time by clicking on the link marked “Terms of Use” at the bottom of each
page of this Site.
This Privacy Policy May Change
We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy, at any time and without prior notice, by posting the revised version of this
Privacy Policy on this Site. These changes will only apply to personal information we collect after we have posted the revised Privacy Policy.
Your use of this Site following any such change constitutes your agreement that all personal information collected from or about you through
this Site after the revised Privacy Policy is posted will be subject to the terms of the revised Privacy Policy. For this reason, it is important
to review this Privacy Policy regularly. If we modify this Privacy Policy, we will provide a notice at the top of this Privacy Policy for at
least 30 days after the new effective date.
You may access the current version of this Privacy Policy at any time by clicking on the link marked “Privacy and Security” at the bottom of each
page of this Site. For your convenience, we post the effective date of this Privacy Policy at the top of this page, so that you can see at a glance
whether this Privacy Policy has changed since your last visit.
Privacy Notices
This Privacy Policy may be supplemented or amended from time to time by “privacy notices” posted on this Site. Generally, privacy notices provide
details about the personal information we collect on particular pages or particular areas of this site, why we need that information, and choices
you may have about the ways we use that information. Our privacy notices are part of this Privacy Policy.
Agreements Governing Specific Features and Password-Protected Areas of This Site
This Privacy Policy may be supplemented or amended by special terms and conditions governing
specific features or password-protected areas of this Site. When you sign up to use a special
feature or password-protected area, you may be asked to agree to special terms governing your
use of the special feature or password-protected area. In such cases, you will be asked to
expressly consent to the special terms, for example, by checking a box or clicking on a button
marked “I agree.” This type of agreement is known as a “click-through” agreement. If any of
the terms of the click-through agreement are different than the terms of this Privacy Policy,
the terms of the click-through agreement will supplement or amend this Privacy Policy, but only
with respect to the matters governed by the “click-through agreement.”
Separate Privacy Policies Governing MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Accounts
All Account Holders. Please be aware that the personal information you provide when you apply
for a MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account is collected for MetaBank, the initial creditor, and is not covered
by this Privacy Policy. If you apply and are approved for a MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account, we will
provide you with a separate copy of the MetaBank privacy notice describing how MetaBank collects,
uses, shares and protects the personal information collected in connection with your MetaBank/Fingerhut
Credit Account. To review MetaBank’s current privacy notice, click here.
If your MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account is approved, Fingerhut will acquire and service your account.
We will provide you with a separate notice (our “MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account Privacy Policy”) describing
how we collect, use, share and protect the personal information we collect in connection with your
MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account (your “Credit Account Information”). Your Credit Account Information may
include your name and contact information, information about your credit history and credit scores;
and information about your account balances and payment history. Our MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account Privacy
Policy also describes the choices you have about the ways we use and share the personal information
we collect in connection with your MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account. If any of the terms of the MetaBank/Fingerhut
Credit Account Privacy Policy are different than the terms of this Privacy Policy, the terms of the
MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account Privacy Policy will supplement or amend this Privacy Policy, but only with
respect to the personal information we collect in connection with your Credit Account Information.
To review our current MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account Privacy Policy, please click here.
California Residents. If you are a California resident, we will send you a California Privacy
Statement when you open a MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account. Our California Privacy Statement describes
some of the choices you have about the ways we share your personal information. If any of the terms
of our California Privacy Statement are different than the terms of this Privacy Policy or the MetaBank/Fingerhut
Credit Account Privacy Policy, the California Privacy Statement will govern. To view our current California
Privacy Statement, please click here.
Vermont Residents. If you are a Vermont resident, we will send you a Vermont Privacy Statement when
you open a MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account. Our Vermont Privacy Statement describes some of the choices
you have about the ways we share your personal information. If any of the terms of our Vermont
Privacy Statement are different than the terms of this Privacy Policy or the MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit
Account Privacy Policy, the Vermont Privacy Statement will govern. To view our current
Vermont Privacy Statement, please click here.
What Personal Information Does Fingerhut Collect Through This Site?
Information You Volunteer. We collect the personal information that you knowingly and voluntarily provide when
you use this Site, for example, the information you provide when you request information about products or
services, request a catalog, purchase a product or service, contact us regarding a purchase, or enter a contest
or promotion. This information may include your name, shipping/billing address, email address, phone number,
credit card information, Social Security number, birth date, gender, occupation, personal interests, and
information used to verify your identity or for fraud prevention purposes. Whether to provide such information
is completely your own choice. But if you choose not to provide the information we request, you may be unable
to purchase products, or access certain services, offers and content on this Site.
Supplemental Information. To serve you better, we may combine information you give us through our catalogs with
the information we collect through this Site. We may also supplement the information we collect through this
Site with information that is publicly available (such as information based on your zip code) and information
we receive from or cross-reference with our Marketing Partners. We may also collect information regarding payment
on your MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account. When you apply for credit on this Site, personal information may be obtained
about you from credit bureaus. To learn more about the ways we protect your privacy in association with your
MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account, click here.
Information Sent to Us by Your Web Browser. We collect information that is sent to us automatically by your Web browser.
This information typically includes the IP address of your Internet service provider, the name and version of your
operating system, the name and version of your browser, the date and time of your visit, and the pages you visit.
Please check your browser if you want to learn what information your browser sends or how to change your settings.
This information does not identify you personally. If, however, you have created a user identity on one of your visits
to this Site (for example, by making a purchase), we may link the information provided by your browser to information
that identifies you personally and use it for the purposes described below. In addition, we may review our server logs
for security purposes, such as detecting intrusions into our network. If we suspect criminal activity, we may share portions
of our server logs -- which contain visitors’ IP addresses -- with the appropriate investigative and/or law enforcement
authorities who may use that information to trace and identify individuals.
Information Collected Using Cookies and Similar Technologies. We use “cookies” and similar technologies, such as
Web beacons (also referred to as “GIF files,” “pixels,” or “action tags”), to collect information and support
certain features of this Site. For example, we may use these technologies to
- collect information about the ways you use this Site – which pages you visit, which links you use, and how long you stay on each page;
- support the features and functionality of this Site – for example, to track the items you add to your shopping cart or to track your order;
- save you the trouble of reentering information already in our database or to prompt the settings you established on previous visits to this Site;
- personalize your shopping experience;
- manage and determine the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns; and
- provide Web site security.
Generally, the information we collect using these Web technologies does not identify you personally. If, however, you
have created a user identity, for example, by applying for credit, we may link the information we collect using Web
technologies to other information that identifies you personally.
If you do not wish to receive cookies, you may set your browser to reject cookies or to alert you when a cookie is placed
on your computer. You may also delete our cookies as soon as you leave a site. Although you are not required to accept our
cookies when you visit this Site, if you set your browser to reject cookies, you will not be able to use all of the features
and functionality of this Site.
Our marketing and advertising consultants also use cookies and other Web technologies to collect information about visitors
to this Site. To learn more, click here.
How Does Fingerhut Use Your Personal Information?
Generally. We use the personal information we collect through this Site
- to provide the products, information and services you request;
- for security, credit or fraud prevention purposes;
- to provide you with effective customer service;
- to provide you with a personalized experience when you use this Site;
- to display personalized advertising when you visit this Site;
- to contact you with special offers and other information we believe will be of interest to you (but only with your permission);
- to contact you with information and notices related to your use of this Site;
- to invite you to participate in surveys and provide feedback to us;
- to better understand your needs and interests;
- to improve the content, functionality and usability of this Site;
- to improve our products and services;
- to improve our marketing and promotional efforts; and
- for any other purpose identified in an applicable privacy notice or other agreement between Fingerhut and you.
To learn more about the choices you have about the ways we use your personal information, please click here.
How Does Fingerhut Share My Personal Information?
Service Providers. We share personal information with companies and organizations that perform services
on our behalf, for example, companies that provide support services to us (such as credit card processing
services, data storage services, and web hosting services) or that help us market our products and services
(such as third-party email marketing companies). These third parties are required by contract to use the
personal information we share with them only to perform services on our behalf and to take commercially
reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality and security of your personal information.
With Our Marketing Partners. From time to time we may establish a business relationship with other third
parties whom we believe trustworthy. These are
known as our “Marketing Partners.” In such cases, we may share and cross-reference information, including
some personal information about you, so that our Marketing Partners can contact you regarding products and
services that may be of interest to you. If you do not want us to share your personal information with our
Marketing Partners, you may “opt-out” at any time using one of the methods described below.
With Our Affiliates. We may share the personal information we collect through this Site with our affiliates
so that they can contact you regarding products and services that may be of interest to you. If you do not
want us to share your personal information with our affiliates, you may “opt-out” at any time using one of the
methods described below.
Business Transfers. Your personal information may be transferred to a company that has acquired the stock or
assets of Fingerhut or one of our businesses, for example, as the result of a sale, merger, reorganization or liquidation.
If such a transfer occurs, the acquiring company’s use of your personal information will still be subject to this Privacy
Policy and the privacy preferences you have expressed to us.
Compliance With Laws and Protection of Our Rights and the Rights of Others. We may disclose personal information
when we, in good faith, believe disclosure is appropriate to comply with the law, a court order or a subpoena. We
may also disclose personal information to prevent or investigate a possible crime, such as fraud or identity
theft; to enforce or apply our online terms of use or other agreements; or to protect our own rights or property
or the rights, property or safety of our users or others.
As Described in a Privacy Notice. We reserve the right to disclose your personal information as described in any
privacy notice posted on the Web page (or area) where you provide that information. By providing your personal
information on that Web page you will be consenting to the disclosure of your personal information as described
in that privacy notice.
As Described in Any Other Agreement Between You and Fingerhut. We reserve the right to disclose your personal
information as described in any click-through agreement or any other agreement between you and Fingerhut.
Your Choices
In General. We respect your right to make choices about the ways we collect, use and disclose your personal
information. In most cases, we will ask you to indicate your choices at the time we collect your personal
information. We will also include an “opt-out” link in newsletters or promotional emails we send you so that
you can inform us that you do not wish to receive such communications from us in the future. If you have
created an account or a personal profile on this Site, you may be able to update some or all of your privacy
choices by changing the settings on your account settings or profile page.
Direct Marketing. We want to communicate with you only if you want to hear from us. You have the choice to be
excluded from our offers and promotions and
to be excluded from sharing personal information with our affiliates or Marketing Partners.
If you choose not to receive information from us or do not want us to share your personal information
with our affiliates or Marketing Partners, please let us know by calling
us at 1-800-208-2500 or by sending us an email at customerservice@fingerhut.com.
Please be sure to include your email address, full name, and specifically what
information you do not want to receive, such as “no phone offers”, “no mail offers”, “no email offers”, or
“no sharing of information with Marketing Partners.” DO NOT include your Social Security number or account
number in the email, but DO provide us with your 10 digit customer number. We will respond to reasonable
requests within a reasonable time and, in any event, within the time period required by law.
Even if you ask us not to share or use your personal information for direct marketing purposes, we may still use your
personal information in connection with the proper administration and management of your MetaBank/Fingerhut Credit Account.
In addition, when you purchase from us online or through our catalogs, we may need to contact you via phone,
email or mail to address questions specific to your order, even if you have opted to not receive marketing communications.
How Can You Update or Correct Your Personal Information?
If you wish to update or correct your personal information, please let us know by calling us at 1-800-208-2500
or by sending us an email at customerservice@fingerhut.com.
Please be sure to include your email address, full name, and specifically what information you would like to
update or correct. If you contact us by email, DO NOT include your Social Security number or account number,
but DO provide us with your 10 digit customer number.
Use of Cookies, Web Beacons and Similar Technologies by Third Parties
Marketing Consultants. Our marketing consultants may use Web beacons, cookies and other Web technologies
to collect information about visitors to this Site. For example, our consultants may count how many visitors
access this Site, what links they use, and what pages they view. They may also track which Web sites and
advertisements refer traffic to this Site and the URLs of the sites to which this Site refers traffic (that is,
the Web sites on which our visitors land when they leave this Site). Our consultants use this information to
compile statistics and prepare reports that provide the feedback and analysis we need to understand the needs
and interests of our visitors, improve the content, functionality and usability of this Site, and improve
the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing efforts. The information our consultants collect does
not identify you personally.
Advertising Companies. We use third-party advertising companies to manage our online advertising campaigns.
These advertising companies use cookies and other Web technologies to target and measure the effectiveness of
the advertisements. For example, these advertising companies place Web beacons on their clients’ Web sites,
including this Site. When you visit these Web sites, the Web beacon “tags” your computer with a “cookie”.
The information stored on the cookie does not identify you personally and is not combined with any information
that identifies you personally, but it does permit our advertising companies to recognize your computer when
you access one of their clients’ sites. These advertising companies use the information they collect about
your use of their clients’ Web sites to customize the advertisements you see when you visit their clients’
sites. Our advertising companies’ use of cookies and other web technologies is covered by their privacy
policies, not by this Online Privacy Statement. If you do not wish to receive our advertising companies’
cookies, you may “opt-out” by using the following link and clicking the “SELECT ALL” button on the opening
page: http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp
Protecting Children
Our website is not focused on marketing or attracting minors and we do not knowingly collect personal
information about anyone under the age of 18. Anyone under the age of 18 should not use this Site unless
supervised by an adult. Our goal is to comply with applicable laws and regulations relating to collection
and use of information from children, including the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
If you believe that we have received information from a child, please notify us immediately by calling
us at 1-800-208-2500 or by sending us an email at customerservice@fingerhut.com
, and we will take reasonable steps to remove that information from our database.
Children under the age of 13 should always ask their parents or guardians for permission before providing
any personal information to anyone online.
Security and Confidentiality
In General. We take commercially reasonable administrative, physical and technological security measures
to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, unauthorized use, and unauthorized or
accidental destruction, modification or disclosure. Although we take commercially reasonable precautions to
provide a level of security appropriate to the sensitivity of the personal information we collect, we cannot
guarantee the security of information provided over the Internet or stored in our databases.
Password Protected Areas of This Site. For your protection, certain areas of this Site are password protected.
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your passwords. We have the right to assume that
anyone accessing this Site using a password assigned to you has the right to do so. You will be solely
responsible for the activities of anyone accessing this Site using a password assigned to you, even if the
individual is not, in fact authorized by you. If you have reason to believe that your password has been
compromised or used without authorization, you must promptly change it using the functionality provided on
this Site.
Do Not Use Emails to Communicate Sensitive Personal Information. Never provide sensitive personal information
(for example, your Social Security number, driver’s license number or credit card information) to us via email.
Use the appropriate areas of this Site to communicate this information or contact us by telephone with your 10
digit customer number.
Links to Other Fingerhut Web Sites
Fingerhut operates other Web sites, each with its own content, features, and functionality. Each Fingerhut site
serves a different purpose. For this reason, not all of our sites are governed by this Privacy Policy. When you
use a link on this Site to access another Fingerhut Web site, please take a minute to review the privacy policy
posted on that site.
Links to Third Party Sites
This site may contain links to Web sites operated by other companies, including websites operated by our third-party
service providers, our Marketing Partners, and other third parties. This Privacy Policy does not apply to personal
information collected on any of these third-party sites. When you access third-party sites through a link on this
Site, please take a few minutes to review the privacy policy posted on that site.
Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed under the laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to its conflicts of law provisions.
Interpretation
As used in this Privacy Policy, the word “including” means “including, without limitation.”
Contact Us
If you have questions about this policy or our privacy practices, please email us at
customerservice@fingerhut.com and
write “Privacy” in the subject line or write us at:
Fingerhut
6250 Ridgewood Road
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Attention: Privacy and Security
|