Tip: Reduce Watchdog complaints by ensuring that the contact information on your privacy statement is current and accurate!

One way to reduce the number of Watchdog complaints filed against your company is to verify that all contact information listed on your privacy statement is current and accurate. Time after time, TRUSTe receives complaints from consumers reporting that a Web site does not respond to their messages or that they cannot contact the site using the contact information provided on the privacy statement. Often, the contact email address on a Web site’s privacy statement is no longer in use, the mailbox is full, or a telephone line is no longer in service. Not only can this lead to the filing of a Watchdog complaint, it is also a violation of TRUSTe’s program requirements.

By ensuring that the privacy statement posted on your Web site lists a valid email address, a current physical street address, as well as a working phone number where consumers can contact you with their concerns, you will not only reduce Watchdog complaints but will also stay compliant with the requirements of your TRUSTe license.

Michael Victor is a compliance analyst at TRUSTe.

Read past tips at www.truste.org/sealholders/tech_tips.php.

 

Wiley Rein LLP