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Huklberry Loans
Effective Date: March 2026

Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information.

1Introduction

This Privacy Policy ("Policy") describes how Golden Empire Mortgage, Inc. ("GEM," "we," "us," or "our"), operating as Huklberry Loans, processes information collected on our website www.huklberryloans.com and applications (including mobile) or through your online interactions with us (collectively, our "Services").

In some circumstances, we may provide you with additional or supplemental privacy notices. Please refer to the State Privacy Rights section to learn more.

By using any of our Services, you acknowledge the privacy practices described in this Policy. You also acknowledge that you have read this Policy and our Terms of Service.

2Who We Are

Huklberry Loans is a mortgage lead generation website operated by Golden Empire Mortgage, Inc., a California corporation. GEM is a residential mortgage lender and servicer licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation pursuant to the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act under license no. 413-0360. GEM (NMLS #2427) conducts residential mortgage lending activities in California and throughout the United States.

Pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ("GLBA"), we protect non-public consumer information including personally identifiable financial data. A reference to "Huklberry Loans," "we," or "us" in this Policy is a reference to Golden Empire Mortgage, Inc..

Our mission is to help clients achieve their homeownership goals, and we extend that dedication to your privacy and data rights by striving to be transparent about how we collect and use information.

3Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you provide when you fill out our lead capture forms, create an account, request support or information, communicate with us via third-party platforms, participate in a contest or survey, use the chat function, or otherwise communicate with us. This may include:

  • Name, email address, postal address, and phone number
  • Social Security number
  • Age and/or date of birth
  • Location and approximate value of your property
  • Financial information such as income, assets, net worth, bank account information, and credit/debit card numbers
  • Home ownership status and employment status and history
  • Insurance information
  • Demographic information such as race, ethnicity, and gender (gathered pursuant to federal requirements)
  • Related loan products or services you have used in the past
  • Other profile data, including your interests and preferences

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect certain information about your interactions with our Services, including:

  • Device and Usage Information: Hardware model, operating system version, mobile network, IP address, unique device identifiers, browser type, app version, access times, pages viewed, links clicked, and the page you visited before navigating to our Services.
  • Transactional Information: Product or service details, financial details, and the date and location of the transaction.
  • Content: As you allow through your device, we may collect information and content stored on your device.
  • Location Information: In accordance with your device permissions, we may collect precise location data. You may stop this at any time (see Your Choices).

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We obtain information from third-party sources including identity or other verification services, credit bureaus (including your credit report), advertising networks, mailing list providers, service providers, and data brokers.

Our Services may allow or require you to connect with third-party services through providers (such as Plaid or AccountChek by FormFree) to import bank account information directly to us.

If you create or log into your account through a third-party platform such as Facebook or Google, we may have access to certain information from that platform in accordance with their authorization procedures.

3.4 Information We Derive

We may derive information or draw inferences about you based on the information we collect. For example, we may make inferences about your location based on your IP address or infer purchasing interests from your browsing behavior. We may use artificial intelligence, including large language models and machine learning, to derive this information.

4Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We (and those who perform work for us) use tracking technologies to collect information about your interactions with the Services:

Cookies

Small data files stored on your device that help us improve our Services, see which areas are popular, authenticate users, personalize advertisements, conduct analytics, and count visits.

Web Beacons

Electronic images (also known as "pixel tags" or "clear GIFs") used on our Services and in emails to help deliver cookies, count visits, and understand usage and campaign effectiveness.

SDKs

Software Development Kits in our mobile apps that send usage information to a server, allowing us to track conversions, serve advertising, and provide additional functionality.

Our first-party cookies do not track users over time and across third-party websites. However, third-party cookies may track across websites for targeted advertising.

You can manage cookies at your browser level. Disabling cookies may affect your experience. See the Advertising and Analytics section for more information.

5How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to provide our Services to you. We also use it to:

  • Connect you with licensed loan officers who can assist with your inquiry
  • Fulfill or deliver the services you requested, including loan application completion
  • Provide, maintain, improve, and develop new products, services, and features
  • Personalize your experience with us
  • Send you technical notices, security alerts, support messages, and other transactional messages
  • Communicate with you about products, services, and events
  • Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities (using AI/ML to assist with processing)
  • Personalize advertisements on third-party platforms and websites
  • Show you offers for third-party services personalized to you
  • Facilitate contests, sweepstakes, and promotions
  • Detect, investigate, and help prevent security incidents and fraudulent activity
  • Comply with our legal and financial obligations
  • Develop and train internal artificial intelligence (AI) models
  • Conduct business analysis and product development
  • Create de-identified, anonymized, or aggregated information
  • Fulfill any other purpose at your direction or with your consent

6How We Share Your Information

We share personal information in the following circumstances:

6.1 Service Providers

We share with vendors, service providers, and consultants that perform services for us, such as web hosting, payment processing, fraud prevention, customer service, data analytics, technical support, marketing, and property title and appraisal services. We limit information shared and require they only use it for the services requested.

6.2 Lending and Business Partners

We share with lending partners, affiliated businesses, and other third parties for their services and marketing purposes, analytics, and in some cases to jointly market and provide products and services.

6.3 Financial Data Partners

With data partners (such as Plaid and AccountChek by FormFree), you can grant us access to your financial accounts and employment information for verification purposes.

6.4 Legal and Safety

We may disclose personal information as required by law, to meet national security or law enforcement requirements, if your actions are inconsistent with our policies, if you have violated the law, or to protect rights, property, and safety. We share with lawyers and professional advisors as necessary.

6.5 Corporate Transactions

We may share in connection with any merger, sale of assets, financing, reorganization, joint venture, assignment, or acquisition of our business, including bankruptcies.

6.6 With Your Consent

We share with your consent or at your direction, including through third-party integrations you enable and with professionals you identify (real estate agents, financial consultants, legal representation, etc.).

6.7 Aggregated or De-Identified Data

We also share aggregated or de-identified information that cannot reasonably be used to identify you.

7SMS/Text Message Data

We do not share SMS text opt-in data or consent information with any third parties.

If you have opted-in or consented to receive text messages, your consent will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates for their marketing purposes.

For information on how to opt out of text messages, see our SMS/Text Message Terms in our Terms of Service or the Your Choices section below.

8Advertising and Analytics

8.1 Cookie Management

We use cookies to ensure Services function and optimize experience. You may turn off advertising cookies and update preferences at any time. You can also manage cookies at your browser level.

8.2 Interest-Based Advertising

We share personal information to allow others to provide analytics services and serve advertisements. These entities may use cookies, web beacons, and device identifiers to collect information including your IP address, pages viewed, time spent, links clicked, and conversion information.

To opt out, visit www.aboutads.info/choices. Your device may also include "Limit Ad Tracking" (iOS) or "Opt Out of Interest-Based Ads" (Android) features.

8.3 Third-Party Platforms

We share personal information to serve ads on third-party platforms (such as Facebook). We or the platforms may convert your information into a unique value for matching and ad personalization. Third-party platforms may offer you choices about seeing these ads.

9Your Choices and Rights

9.1 Communication Preferences

Opt out of promotional emails via the unsubscribe link, or contact us at (408) 838-9060 or privacy@huklberryloans.com.

9.2 Opt-Out of SMS

Reply STOP, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or QUIT to any message, or call (408) 838-9060. Opt-out processed within 24 hours.

9.3 Do Not Track Signals

Our Website recognizes browser privacy preference signals. If detected, we give you the option to opt out of sale/sharing.

9.4 Global Privacy Control (GPC)

We support GPC signals. Broadcast via supported browsers at globalprivacycontrol.org. Requires per-browser activation.

9.5 Location Information

You will be asked to consent to precise location collection. Stop collection anytime by changing device preferences.

9.6 Account Information

Update and correct account information by signing in or contacting us at (408) 838-9060.

9.7 Fair Credit Reporting Act

Limit the sharing of non-experience information (credit applications, credit reports, verification data) among our affiliates by contacting us.

10State Privacy Rights

States with comprehensive privacy laws include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

10.1 Categories of Personal Information Collected

In the preceding 12 months, we have collected the following categories:

CategoryExamples
IdentifiersName, alias, postal address, IP address, email, SSN, driver's license, passport number.
Customer RecordsName, signature, SSN, address, phone, insurance, education, employment history, bank account, credit/debit card, financial/health information.
Protected ClassificationsAge, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, disabilities, sex/gender, pregnancy, veteran status.
Commercial InformationProperty records, products/services purchased, purchasing histories and tendencies.
Internet/Network ActivityBrowsing history, search history, website/app/ad interactions.
Geolocation DataPhysical location or movements.
Sensory DataAudio (call recordings) or uploaded video content.
Professional InfoCurrent/past job history, employer, employment status, performance evaluations.
InferencesPreferences, characteristics, and approximate location drawn from other data.
Sensitive PISSN, driver's license, passport; account login credentials; precise geolocation; racial/ethnic origin; mail/email/text contents.

10.2 Sale and Sharing of Personal Information

Under certain state definitions, we may "sell" or "share" personal information with third parties for cross-context behavioral advertising. We may share identifiers and internet activity with advertising partners. You have the right to opt out at any time. We do not knowingly sell or share personal information about consumers under 16.

10.3 Your State Privacy Rights

  • Right to Know/Access: Request categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell, in a portable format.
  • Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal exceptions.
  • Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information.
  • Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of sale/sharing and targeted advertising.
  • Right to Limit Sensitive PI: Limit processing to only necessary uses.
  • Right to Appeal: Appeal refused requests. Oregon residents may contact the Oregon Attorney General.
  • Right to Data Portability: Obtain previously provided information in a portable format.

10.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

Contact us at (408) 838-9060 or email privacy@huklberryloans.com. We target a 45-day response (extensions up to 90 days with written notice). Up to two requests per 12-month period. No fee unless excessive or manifestly unfounded.

Authorized agents must provide power of attorney or valid written authority.

10.5 Non-Discrimination

You have the right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your privacy rights. We will not retaliate against you for exercising these rights.

10.6 Sensitive Personal Information

Usage is restricted to: (i) providing and improving products; (ii) detecting security incidents; (iii) resisting fraudulent or illegal actions; (iv) ensuring physical safety; (v) non-personalized advertising; (vi) maintaining or servicing accounts; and (vii) improving services. Where required by state law, we obtain your consent before collecting Sensitive Personal Information.

10.7 State-Specific Notices

California

Much of our collected information qualifies for GLBA exemptions from CCPA. We do not knowingly collect information about children under 16. We wait 12 months before requesting re-opt-in. No account needed to exercise opt-out rights.

Vermont

We will not share your information with companies outside our organization except as permitted by law or authorized by you. We will not disclose credit information except with your consent or as required by law.

Nevada

Residents may register on the Do Not Call Registry at 888-382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov. Nevada AG Bureau of Consumer Protection: 555 E. Washington St., Suite 3900, Las Vegas, NV 89101, 1-702-486-3132.

North Dakota

North Dakota law prohibits sharing personal information with certain third parties without authorization. We do not sell names or information to third parties for marketing purposes.

11Data Security

We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative security measures to protect personal information. These include computer safeguards, secured files and buildings, employee training on privacy standards, and encryption technologies.

No security technology is completely secure. Email communication is not secure for transmitting sensitive personal information. We cannot provide absolute assurances that all communications are secure, error-free, or virus-free.

12Data Retention

We will not retain your personal information for longer than is reasonably necessary. Personal information will be securely deleted at the end of the applicable retention period or upon request.

When you request deletion, we will delete as much data as possible, but some data may be legally required to be kept. We will use reasonable measures to protect such data.

13Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children. We do not direct our Services to children under 16 or knowingly attempt to solicit or receive information from children. We do not knowingly collect, maintain, or use personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will promptly delete it.

15International Users

Golden Empire Mortgage, Inc. is headquartered in the United States. We and those that perform work for us may transfer your personal information to, or store or access it in, jurisdictions that may not provide equivalent levels of data protection.

16Changes to This Policy

We may change this Policy from time to time. If we make changes, we will notify you by revising the date at the top of this Policy and, in some cases, provide additional notice. Changes are effective immediately upon posting. We encourage you to review this Policy regularly.

17Contact Us

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our information practices, please contact us:

Company
Golden Empire Mortgage, Inc. (NMLS #2427)
D/B/A
Huklberry Loans
Mailing Address
1275 Lincoln Ave, Suite 7, San Jose, CA 95125