Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Free Debt Solutions is a trading style of Aritel Ltd. (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal information when you visit our website, submit an enquiry, or are introduced to authorised debt-solution firms.

This policy applies solely to Free Debt Solutions and should be read carefully to understand how your information is handled. We process personal data in accordance with applicable data-protection legislation, including:

  • The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • The Data Protection Act 2018
  • The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
  • Relevant guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

2. Who We Are

Free Debt Solutions
Registered Office: Suite 25, Lavenham Business Centre, Parsons Street, Oldham, OL9 7AH
ICO Registration Number: ZB582496
ICO Registration Status: Data Controller
Customer Support: info@freedebtsolutions.co.uk
Phone: 0203 793 4392
Website: freedebtsolutions.co.uk

For all personal data collected through the Free Debt Solutions website and enquiry process, Free Debt Solutions acts as the Data Controller.

Where we introduce you to an Insolvency Practitioner or an FCA-authorised debt-advice firm, that organisation becomes an independent Data Controller for the personal data it processes thereafter.

3. What Free Debt Solutions Does

Free Debt Solutions operates as a lead-generation and referral service for debt-solution products, collecting enquiries and passing relevant information to FCA-authorised and regulated partners. We provide:

  • A structured enquiry process that helps gather relevant information about your situation
  • Clear explanations of how the referral process works and what to expect next
  • Introductions to authorised Insolvency Practitioners or FCA-authorised debt-advice companies, where appropriate

Any formal assessment, recommendation, or administration of a debt solution is carried out by the authorised provider you choose to engage with. You remain in control at all times and are under no obligation to proceed.

4. Personal Data We Collect

We collect only the personal data necessary to provide our services and operate compliantly.

  • 4.1 Information You Provide Directly

    This may include:

    • Full name
    • Address and postcode
    • Email address
    • Telephone number
    • Details about your financial situation, such as:
      • Types of debt
      • Approximate balances
      • Income and expenditure information
      • Employment status
    • Preferred contact times
    • Any additional information you voluntarily provide when completing forms or speaking with us

  • 4.2 Information Collected Automatically

    When you use our website, we may collect:

    • IP address
    • Approximate location (derived from IP)
    • Browser type and device information
    • Website usage data, including pages visited and interactions

    This information is collected through cookies and similar technologies. Please see our Cookie Policy for further details.

  • 4.3 Special Category Data

    In some cases, the information you choose to provide may indicate vulnerability or financial hardship. We do not actively request medical or health information. Where special category data is processed, it is done only where necessary and with appropriate safeguards.

    If you provide information that indicates financial hardship, health conditions affecting income, or vulnerabilities, this may be considered sensitive information. Such data is processed under:

    We do not request information on criminal convictions and do not store it unless voluntarily disclosed.

5. Where We Obtain Personal Data

We collect personal data through:

  • Online enquiry forms on our website
  • Telephone calls and email correspondence
  • Live chat or messaging services where available
  • Selected marketing partners or affiliates who have obtained your consent to be contacted

All third-party lead sources are subject to due diligence to ensure they meet UK data-protection requirements and lawful consent standards.

6. How We Use Your Personal Data

Your information is used only for the following legitimate and transparent purposes:

  • 6.1 To provide general guidance

    We use your financial details to explain general solutions such as IVAs, DMPs, DROs, or other debt-management options.

  • 6.2 To make recommendations

    Based on the information provided, we may highlight solutions that are likely to be suitable; however, final assessments remain with an authorised IP or an FCA-authorised provider.

  • 6.3 To process and pass your enquiry to authorised partners

    This includes authorised Insolvency Practitioners or FCA-authorised debt-advice organisations who can formally assess and administer debt solutions.

  • 6.4 To maintain accurate records for compliance

    Including audit trails, safeguarding, identity verification checks, and regulatory reporting.

  • 6.5 To communicate with you

    Including contacting you at your preferred time to discuss your enquiry or next steps.

  • 6.6 To improve our internal processes

    Including service quality, security monitoring, staff training, fraud prevention, and system performance analysis.

  • 6.7 To send marketing communications

    We will only send marketing to those who have opted in. You may withdraw consent at any time.

We do not use your data for purposes that are incompatible with those listed above.

7. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:

  • Article 6(1)(b) – Processing necessary to take steps at your request prior to entering into an arrangement (initial advice and referral)
  • Article 6(1)(a) – Consent, where required (marketing communications or sensitive information)
  • Article 6(1)(f) – Legitimate interests, including service operation, fraud prevention, data security, and business operations
  • Article 9(2)(a) – Explicit consent, where special category data is processed

We do not carry out automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects.

8. Who We Share Personal Data With

We share information only when necessary and only with organisations that meet regulatory requirements:

  • 8.1 Insolvency Practitioners (IPs)

    Licensed and regulated by the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) or equivalent bodies.

  • 8.2 Debt-advice Companies

    FCA-authorised firms offering regulated debt counselling or debt adjusting.

  • 8.3 Service Providers

    Including hosting services, CRM systems, email platforms, security providers, and compliance consultants.

  • 8.4 Regulatory Bodies (if legally required)

    This may include the ICO, courts, law enforcement, or statutory bodies. We never sell your data.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Enquiry and advice records: up to 3 months
  • Referral records: retained in line with contractual and compliance requirements
  • Marketing consent records: retained until consent is withdrawn

Data is securely deleted or anonymised once retention periods expire. Authorised providers you engage with will retain your data in accordance with their own legal obligations and privacy policies.

10. International Transfers

Where personal data is stored or processed outside the United Kingdom, we ensure:

  • Appropriate safeguards apply, including adequacy regulations or approved contractual protections
  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), IDTA, or UK Addenda are in place
  • Sufficient technical and organisational measures are implemented

We conduct due diligence on all suppliers to ensure data security and confidentiality are maintained across all services.

11. Your Data Protection Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request erasure of your data, where applicable
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Request data portability
  • Lodge a complaint with the ICO

We respond to valid requests within a month, in accordance with UK GDPR.

12. How to Withdraw Consent

You may withdraw consent for marketing or special-category data processing at any time by contacting:

info@freedebtsolutions.co.uk

You may withdraw consent for marketing or special-category data at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect processing already carried out lawfully.

13. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including:

  • Secure servers and encrypted data transmission
  • Restricted access controls
  • Staff training and confidentiality obligations
  • Regular monitoring and system updates

14. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies separately.

15. Complaints

If you have a concern about how your data has been handled, please contact us first. If unresolved, you have the right to complain to:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

www.ico.org.uk

16. How to Contact Us

Data Protection Officer / Compliance Team

Free Debt Solutions

Suite 25, Lavenham Business Centre, Parsons Street, Oldham, OL9 7AH

Customer Support: info@freedebtsolutions.co.uk | 0203 793 4392

17. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal, regulatory, or operational changes. The latest version will always be published on our website.