Sitters4Me is a marketplace app that connects parents with independent babysitters. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. It applies to the Sitters4Me mobile app and to the website at sitters4me.com.
The short version: we collect what we need to match parents with sitters, process payments, and keep everyone safe. We do not sell your personal information, we do not show ads, and you can delete your account and personal data from inside the app at any time.
1. Information we collect
Information you give us
| Who | What |
|---|---|
| Everyone | Name, email address, phone number, home address (street, city, state, ZIP), password (stored in hashed form), profile photo, and anything you write in messages, reviews and support requests. |
| Parents | Number of children and your preferred search radius. If you choose to add them: each child's name, age, allergies, medical notes, bedtime routine, special needs, and emergency contact name and phone number. |
| Sitters | Date of birth (we require sitters to be 18 or older), optional gender, bio, years of experience, rates, certifications and skills, availability, and how far you will travel. For payouts, details you give to Stripe when you connect your payout account, and, if you use the bank form in the app, your bank name, routing number and the last four digits of your account number. |
| Payments | Cards are collected and stored by Stripe. We keep only the card brand, last four digits, expiry date and a Stripe customer ID, plus the amounts, fees, taxes, tips and receipts for each booking. |
Background checks (sitters)
Sitters are asked to complete a background check through Checkr, an independent consumer reporting agency. Checkr collects the information it needs, including a Social Security number, directly from the sitter through its own secure portal and under its own terms. Sitters4Me does not collect or store Social Security numbers. We receive the outcome of the check (for example, whether it was cleared) and the date.
Information collected automatically
- Location. When you use location features, we use your device's location. For parents, this helps find sitters nearby and tells the sitter where to go. For sitters, we use location while you are online and while you are on a job, to match you with nearby jobs and to show the parent that you are on your way.
- Device and security data. A push-notification identifier for your device, app version, IP address, and records of sign-in attempts, used to deliver notifications, keep accounts secure, and prevent fraud and abuse.
- Activity. Your bookings, job history, ratings, tips and referrals.
We do not use advertising or cross-app tracking technologies, and the app does not ask for access to your contacts.
2. How we use your information
- To create and run your account and to match parents with sitters.
- To process payments, send receipts, and pay sitters.
- To screen sitters and to help keep families and sitters safe.
- To send service messages: booking updates, receipts, payment problems, security alerts and password resets.
- To provide support, investigate complaints and resolve disputes.
- To detect and prevent fraud, abuse and security incidents, and to enforce our Terms of Service.
- To meet legal, tax and accounting obligations, and to improve the app.
4. Children's information
Sitters4Me is for adults. You must be at least 18 to create an account, and we do not knowingly collect information directly from children.
Parents may choose to add information about their own children (such as age, allergies and emergency contacts) so a sitter can care for them safely. We use it only for that purpose, show it only to the sitter on the booking, and never use it for marketing. Parents can edit or delete a child's profile at any time under My Account → My Children, and deleting your account removes all of them.
5. How long we keep it, and deleting your account
We keep your information while your account is open. You can delete your account in the app under My Account → Delete My Account, or by following the steps at sitters4me.com/delete-account.html.
When you delete your account we remove your name, contact details, address, date of birth, photo, login, saved card and payout account details at Stripe, children's profiles, push-notification identifier and what you wrote in chats.
What we keep, without your name or contact details: records of completed bookings, payments, fees, payouts and ratings. We need these for tax, accounting and dispute purposes, and so the other person's own booking and earnings history stays accurate. We keep them for as long as the law requires, which is generally up to seven years.
We can't delete an account while a booking is open or in progress, while money is owed, or while a sitter has earnings that have not yet been paid out. The app tells you what to resolve first.
6. Your choices and rights
- Access and correct most of your information under My Account in the app.
- Delete your account and personal data in the app, as described above.
- Notifications: you can turn push notifications off in your phone's settings. You will still receive essential service emails such as receipts and security alerts.
- Location: you can turn off location permission in your phone's settings, but matching and arrival tracking will not work without it.
Depending on where you live (for example California, Texas, Virginia and other states with privacy laws), you may also have the right to know what personal information we hold about you, to have it corrected or deleted, to receive a copy, and to appeal a decision. We do not sell or share personal information for targeted advertising, so there is nothing to opt out of, and we will not treat you differently for using these rights. To make a request, email support@sitters4me.com from the address on your account. We may need to verify your identity first, and we will respond within the time the law requires.
7. Security
We protect information using encrypted connections (HTTPS), hashed passwords, and access controls that limit who and what can see an account's data. Card numbers are handled by Stripe and never pass through our servers. No system is perfectly secure, so please use a strong, unique password. If a breach affects you, we will notify you as the law requires.
8. Where your information is processed
Sitters4Me is offered only in the United States, and your information is processed and stored in the United States.
9. Changes to this policy
If we make material changes, we will update the date at the top and notify you in the app or by email before they take effect.
10. Contact us
Questions, requests or concerns about your privacy? Email support@sitters4me.com.