Privacy Notice

Information we collect

When you contact us — by phone, email or the enquiry form on this site — we collect the information you provide, which may include your name, contact details, and details of the matter you're enquiring about. If you proceed to an engagement, we collect further information as reasonably required to carry out that engagement.

Information collected through this website

Our website is delivered through a content delivery network, and enquiries submitted through the form are processed by a third-party form service. These providers record technical information such as IP addresses, browser type and the time of your visit, for security and reliability purposes. We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking on this site.

How we use it

Information you provide is used to respond to your enquiry, assess whether we can assist, and — if you engage us — to carry out and report on the agreed investigation. We do not use enquiry or client information for marketing, and we do not sell or trade personal information.

Disclosure

We do not disclose your identity or the existence of an engagement to third parties, except: where required by law; where necessary to carry out the agreed scope of work (for example, engaging a subcontracted licensed investigator); or where you direct us to (for example, providing a report to your solicitor).

Overseas storage

Some of the service providers we use to operate our website, enquiry form and email store data outside Australia, including in the United States. We take reasonable steps to ensure these providers handle personal information consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles. Substantive case material is not transmitted through the website enquiry form, and we ask that you do not include names or personal details of any individual when making an initial enquiry.

Information collected during an investigation

Investigations may involve collecting information about a third party (the subject of a background check, surveillance matter, or locate request). This is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW), the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW) where applicable, and our licensing conditions under the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW). It is disclosed only to you as the client, or as otherwise required by law.

Unsolicited personal information

Where we receive personal information about an individual that we did not request and that is not reasonably necessary for an engagement, we destroy or de-identify it, unless we are required by law to retain it.

Data security

Records are stored securely and access is limited to those directly involved in your matter. Case files and evidence are retained only as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which they were collected, and in any case for no longer than seven years after the conclusion of an engagement, unless a longer period is required by law or by the terms of an engagement. Records are securely destroyed at the end of that period.

Access and correction

You may request access to, or correction of, personal information we hold about you by contacting us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable period, ordinarily within 30 days. Some requests may be limited where release would compromise an active investigation, prejudice a law enforcement or legal process, or breach our obligations to another party. Where we refuse a request, we will tell you why.

Complaints

If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, contact us at info@factum.au setting out your concern. We will acknowledge your complaint promptly and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may refer the matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au or on 1300 363 992.

Contact

Privacy questions can be directed to info@factum.au.