Last Updated: October 02, 2025
Introduction
Houston Loans Online (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website at freedmenstownmuseums.org (the “Site”) or use our loan matching services.
By using our Site or services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
When you apply for loan matching services through Houston Loans Online, we collect the following personal information:
Contact Information:
- Full name
- Home address (street, city, state, ZIP code)
- Phone numbers (mobile and home)
- Email address
Employment and Income Information:
- Employment status and history
- Employer name and contact information
- Job title and length of employment
- Monthly/annual income
- Income sources (employment, benefits, etc.)
Financial Information:
- Bank account information (routing and account numbers)
- Banking history
- Credit history and score (when authorized)
- Existing debts and monthly obligations
- Loan amount requested and purpose
Identity Verification:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Government-issued ID information
- Verification questions and answers
Information Automatically Collected
Technical Information:
- IP address and location data
- Browser type and version
- Device information and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on our Site
- Referring website information
- Cookies and tracking technologies data
Usage Information:
- How you interact with our Site
- Features and services you use
- Application completion status
- Communication preferences
How We Use Your Information
Houston Loans Online uses your personal information for the following purposes:
Primary Business Purposes
Loan Matching Services:
- Match you with potential lenders in our network
- Facilitate loan applications and approvals
- Verify your identity and prevent fraud
- Assess creditworthiness and loan eligibility
Communication:
- Respond to your inquiries and requests
- Provide customer support and assistance
- Send loan status updates and notifications
- Share important account information
Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
- Comply with federal and Texas state regulations
- Verify identity and prevent money laundering
- Report suspicious activities as required by law
- Maintain records as required by applicable laws
Secondary Purposes
Service Improvement:
- Analyze website usage and user experience
- Improve our loan matching algorithms
- Develop new features and services
- Conduct market research and analytics
Marketing and Communications:
- Send promotional emails about our services
- Provide information about relevant financial products
- Conduct customer satisfaction surveys
- Share educational content about financial topics
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Sharing with Lenders
Primary Purpose: We share your information with lenders in our network to facilitate loan applications and approvals.
Information Shared:
- Complete loan application information
- Personal and financial details
- Credit history and verification data
- Employment and income documentation
Lender Network: Our network includes licensed lenders operating in Texas and nationwide, including:
- Traditional banks and credit unions
- Online lending platforms
- Installment loan providers
- Payday loan companies (Texas-licensed)
- Title loan lenders
- Tribal lending entities
- Specialty lenders for federal employees
Third-Party Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:
Technology Services:
- Website hosting and maintenance
- Data storage and security
- Payment processing
- Customer relationship management
- Email and communication services
Verification and Analytics:
- Identity verification services
- Credit reporting agencies
- Employment verification services
- Fraud prevention services
- Website analytics and optimization
Marketing Partners:
- Email marketing services
- Advertising networks and platforms
- Lead generation partners
- Affiliate marketing networks
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or to protect our rights:
Government Agencies:
- Federal and state regulatory authorities
- Law enforcement agencies
- Tax authorities
- Court orders and subpoenas
Legal Protection:
- Protect against fraud and illegal activities
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Defend our legal rights and interests
- Protect the safety of our users and the public
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of our business, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity as part of the transaction.
Data Security and Protection
Security Measures
Houston Loans Online implements comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:
Technical Safeguards:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers and firewalls
- Access controls and authentication
- Regular security updates and patches
- Data backup and recovery systems
Administrative Safeguards:
- Employee training on data privacy
- Limited access to personal information
- Background checks for employees
- Regular security audits and assessments
- Incident response procedures
Physical Safeguards:
- Secure facilities and equipment
- Controlled access to data centers
- Proper disposal of physical documents
- Environmental controls and monitoring
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our loan matching services
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Improve our services and prevent fraud
Retention Periods:
- Active loan applications: Duration of application process plus 7 years
- Completed transactions: 7 years from completion date
- Marketing communications: Until you opt out or 5 years
- Website usage data: 2 years from collection date
Your Privacy Rights and Choices
Access and Control
Information Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we have about you.
Information Correction: You may request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Account Updates: You can update your contact information and preferences through your account or by contacting us.
Communication Preferences
Email Opt-Out: You can unsubscribe from marketing emails using the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us.
Phone Communications: You can request to be removed from our phone contact lists.
Text Messages: You can opt out of text messages by replying “STOP” to any text message.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:
Right to Know: Request information about the personal information we collect, use, and share.
Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions).
Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the “sale” of personal information to third parties.
Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Types of Cookies
Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and security.
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website.
Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness.
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences.
Cookie Management
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Block all cookies (may affect website functionality)
- Delete existing cookies
- Set preferences for future cookies
- Receive notifications when cookies are placed
Third-Party Tracking
Our website may include third-party tracking technologies from:
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Pixel
- Advertising networks
- Marketing platforms
Children’s Privacy
Houston Loans Online does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 years of age. Our services are intended for adults who can legally enter into loan agreements. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete such information immediately.
International Users
Our services are intended for residents of the United States, particularly Texas residents. If you access our website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our central database is operated.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated Privacy Policy on our website and indicate the “Last Updated” date.
Notification of Changes:
- Significant changes will be communicated via email
- Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of changes
- You are encouraged to review this Policy periodically
State-Specific Privacy Information
Texas Residents
Under Texas law, you have certain rights regarding your personal information:
- Right to request information about data sharing practices
- Right to request correction of inaccurate information
- Protection against identity theft and fraud
Other State Rights
Residents of certain states may have additional privacy rights under state laws. Contact us to learn about rights specific to your state.
Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us email [email protected].
Effective Date
This Privacy Policy is effective as of October 02, 2025 and applies to all information collected by Houston Loans Online on or after this date.