Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 2024

1. Introduction

MV Debt Counselling ("we", "us", "our", or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website https://mvdebt.co.za and use our debt counselling services.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect information about you in a variety of ways. The information we may collect on the Site includes:

• Personal Data: Name, email address, phone number, physical address, date of birth, and identification document number
• Financial Information: Income details, debt information, banking details, credit history, and employment information
• Contact Information: Phone numbers, email addresses, and correspondence history
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect in the following ways:

• To provide debt counselling services and financial assessments
• To negotiate with creditors on your behalf
• To register your debt review with the National Credit Regulator
• To communicate with you about your repayment plan
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• To improve our services and website functionality
• To send you updates, newsletters, and promotional materials (with your consent)
• To prevent fraud and protect against security threats

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract Performance: To perform our debt counselling services
• Legal Obligation: To comply with the National Credit Act and NCR requirements
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and prevent fraud
• Consent: For marketing communications (which you can withdraw anytime)

5. Data Protection & Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encrypted data transmission and storage
• Secure access controls and authentication protocols
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to personal information (staff only when necessary)
• Compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

Note: While we strive to protect your information, no security system is impenetrable. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Who We Share Your Information With

We may share your information with:

• Creditors: As part of the debt counselling negotiation process
• National Credit Regulator: For debt review registration and compliance
• Legal Representatives: Attorneys assisting with your case
• Service Providers: Third parties assisting with IT, accounting, or administrative support (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• Law Enforcement: When required by law or court order

7. Your Rights

Under POPIA and other applicable laws, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal obligations)
• Restrict processing of your data
• Object to direct marketing
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and complete your debt counselling process
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements (typically 6 years after case closure)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies to enhance your user experience. These help us:

• Remember your preferences
• Track website usage and analytics
• Improve website functionality

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect your browsing experience.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect information from minors. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

12. Contact Us

For privacy concerns or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

13. Policy Changes

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.