Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies typically contain:

• The name of the website that placed the cookie
• A unique identifier (a random string of letters and numbers)
• An expiration date (some cookies expire when you close your browser)
• Information specific to your visit

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Track referral codes and relationships between donors
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you interact with our Website
• Improve your experience and our services
• Ensure the security of our platform
• Analyze website performance and traffic

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
session_id	Maintains your session while using the Website	Session (deleted when browser closes)
XSRF-TOKEN	Security token to prevent cross-site request forgery attacks	Session

Note: These cookies cannot be disabled as they are essential for the Website to function.

3.2 Referral Tracking Cookies

These cookies track referral codes when you arrive at our site through a referral link. They ensure proper credit is given to the donor who referred you.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
referral_code	Stores the referral code when you arrive via a referral link	7 days
referral_timestamp	Records when you clicked the referral link	7 days

3.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Website by collecting and reporting information anonymously.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Google Analytics - Distinguishes unique users	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics - Distinguishes users	24 hours
_gat	Google Analytics - Throttles request rate	1 minute

Note: Google Analytics cookies are only set if you consent to analytics cookies.

3.4 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
cookie_consent	Remembers your cookie consent preferences	1 year
display_preferences	Stores your display and UI preferences	6 months

3.5 Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies. We do not control these cookies.

Payoneer (Payment Processing)

When you are redirected to Payoneer for payment, Payoneer may set cookies according to their own privacy policy. We recommend reviewing Payoneer's Privacy Policy.

Social Media Cookies

If you share our content on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), those platforms may set cookies. We do not control these cookies.

4. Local Storage and Other Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other storage technologies:

4.1 Local Storage

We use browser local storage to:

• Cache data for improved performance (e.g., recently viewed statistics)
• Store temporary form data to prevent loss during navigation
• Remember your UI preferences (e.g., leaderboard view settings)

Local storage persists until manually cleared and is not transmitted to our servers.

4.2 Session Storage

We use session storage for temporary data that is cleared when you close your browser tab, such as:

• Donation form state during multi-step process
• Temporary navigation data

4.3 Web Beacons and Pixels

We may use web beacons (also known as pixels or tracking pixels) to:

• Track email open rates for campaign updates
• Understand conversion rates from referral links
• Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns

5. How to Manage Cookies

You have several options for managing cookies:

5.1 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (note: this may affect Website functionality)
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Browser-Specific Instructions:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies and site permissions

For more information, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.

5.2 Our Cookie Consent Tool

When you first visit our Website, you will see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences by category

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer.

5.3 Opt-Out of Analytics

To opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5.4 Mobile Device Settings

Mobile devices have settings to limit ad tracking:

• iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking (toggle "Allow Apps to Request to Track")
• Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that:

• Referral tracking will not work - You won't be credited for referrals if someone donates through your link
• Functionality may be limited - Some features may not work properly
• Preferences won't be saved - You'll need to reset preferences each visit
• Performance may decrease - Without caching, pages may load more slowly

Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the Website to function.

7. Cookies and Referral Credits

Our referral system relies heavily on cookies to ensure proper credit:

7.1 How Referral Tracking Works

1. When someone clicks your referral link (e.g., sendmeadollarplease.com/r/donor12847), we set a cookie with your referral code
2. The cookie is valid for 7 days
3. If the person donates within 7 days, you receive credit for the referral
4. You earn +10 lottery entries per successful referral

7.2 Important Notes

• If cookies are disabled, referral tracking will not work
• If the cookie is deleted before donation, the referral connection is lost
• Newer referral codes override older ones (last-click attribution)
• Referral cookies are specific to the device and browser used

8. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in:

• The cookies we use
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Our Website functionality
• Third-party services we integrate

When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via a banner on the Website
• Request your consent again if required by law

9. Legal Compliance

This Cookie Policy complies with applicable laws and regulations, including:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) - European Union
• ePrivacy Directive - European Union
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) - California, USA
• PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations) - United Kingdom

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or other tracking technologies, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@sendmeadollarplease.com
• General Contact: contact@sendmeadollarplease.com
• Location: Sint Maarten, Caribbean
• Contact Form: Visit our contact page

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