Cookie Policy
Effective Date: October 6, 2025
Last Updated: October 6, 2025
Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how FraudShield Legal ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies help websites recognize your device and remember information about your visit.
Cookies serve various purposes, such as:
- Enabling certain website functions
- Remembering your preferences
- Analyzing website traffic and usage
- Providing personalized content
- Improving user experience
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic features like page navigation, secure areas access, and form submissions.
Examples:
- Session cookies: Maintain your session as you navigate the site
- Security cookies: Authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use
- Load balancing cookies: Distribute traffic across servers
- Cookie consent: Remember your cookie preferences
Retention: Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Others may last up to 1 year.
Can be disabled: No. These cookies are essential for website functionality.
2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, helping us improve functionality and content.
Examples:
- Google Analytics: Tracks page views, time on site, bounce rate
- Heat mapping: Shows how users interact with page elements
- Error tracking: Identifies technical issues
Information collected:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Links clicked
- Search terms used
- Browser and device information
- Geographic location (country/city)
Retention: Up to 2 years
Can be disabled: Yes, through our cookie consent banner or browser settings
2.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.
Examples:
- Remembering your language preference
- Storing form data to prevent re-entry
- Remembering accessibility settings
- Customizing content based on your region
Retention: Up to 1 year
Can be disabled: Yes, but some features may not work properly
2.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies (if applicable)
These cookies track your browsing activity to deliver relevant advertisements.
We currently do not use advertising cookies, but may in the future with your consent.
3. Other Tracking Technologies
3.1 Web Beacons (Pixels)
Small graphic images embedded in web pages or emails to track whether you've viewed specific content.
3.2 Local Storage
Technology that stores data locally on your browser, similar to cookies but with greater capacity.
3.3 Session Storage
Temporary storage that is cleared when you close your browser.
4. Third-Party Cookies
We use services from third parties that may set their own cookies:
4.1 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site.
- Purpose: Website analytics and performance tracking
- Data collected: Anonymized usage statistics
- Privacy policy: Google Privacy Policy
- Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
4.2 Social Media Plugins
If we embed social media content, those platforms may set cookies to track your activity.
4.3 Payment Processors
Payment services may use cookies to process transactions securely.
5. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
5.1 Essential Operations
- Maintain secure client sessions
- Process contact form submissions
- Remember your cookie consent preferences
- Prevent spam and security threats
5.2 Improve User Experience
- Remember your language preference
- Maintain consistent navigation experience
- Store form data to save you time
- Provide personalized content
5.3 Analytics and Optimization
- Understand how visitors use our site
- Identify popular content
- Detect and fix technical issues
- Improve website design and functionality
- Measure effectiveness of our services
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
6.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:
- Accept All: Allow all cookies
- Decline: Block non-essential cookies
- Settings: Choose which cookie categories to allow
Your choice is stored for 12 months. You can change your preferences at any time.
6.2 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings:
Google Chrome:
- Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner
- Select "Settings" → "Privacy and security" → "Cookies and other site data"
- Choose your preferred cookie settings
Mozilla Firefox:
- Click the menu button (☰) and select "Settings"
- Select "Privacy & Security"
- Under "Cookies and Site Data," adjust settings
Safari:
- Open Safari preferences
- Go to "Privacy" tab
- Manage cookie settings
Microsoft Edge:
- Click the three dots (⋯) and select "Settings"
- Select "Cookies and site permissions"
- Manage cookies
6.3 Deleting Cookies
You can delete cookies already stored on your device through your browser settings. Note that deleting cookies may affect website functionality.
7. Detailed Cookie List
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| cookieConsent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | Essential | 12 months |
| PHPSESSID | Maintains user session | Essential | Session |
| _ga | Google Analytics - distinguishes users | Analytics | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics - distinguishes users | Analytics | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics - throttle request rate | Analytics | 1 minute |
8. First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies
8.1 First-Party Cookies
Set directly by FraudShield Legal. We have full control over these cookies and the data they collect.
8.2 Third-Party Cookies
Set by external services we use (like Google Analytics). These are governed by the third party's privacy policy.
9. Session vs. Persistent Cookies
9.1 Session Cookies
Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser. Used for essential website operations.
9.2 Persistent Cookies
Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. Used to remember your preferences and analyze long-term website usage.
10. Why We Use Cookies
10.1 Security
- Protect against fraudulent activity
- Secure sensitive information
- Prevent unauthorized access
- Detect and prevent spam
10.2 Performance
- Understand which pages are most popular
- Identify errors and technical issues
- Optimize page loading speed
- Improve navigation and user flow
10.3 User Experience
- Remember your language preference
- Maintain login status
- Pre-fill form information
- Customize content to your interests
11. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals websites that you don't want your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals.
We currently do not respond to DNT signals, but you can manage cookies through our consent banner and browser settings.
12. Cookies and Personal Information
Some cookies may collect personal information (like IP addresses). This information is handled according to our Privacy Policy and Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA).
We do not use cookies to:
- Collect sensitive personal information without consent
- Track you across unrelated websites
- Sell your data to third parties
- Build detailed personal profiles for marketing
13. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Under Canadian law and PIPEDA, we use cookies based on:
- Consent: You have consented through our cookie banner
- Legitimate Interest: Essential cookies necessary for website operation
- Legal Obligation: Cookies required for legal compliance
14. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly use cookies to collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided information through our cookies, please contact us immediately.
15. International Transfers
Some cookies (like Google Analytics) may transfer data to servers outside Canada. When this occurs:
- Data is anonymized when possible
- Transfers comply with Canadian privacy law
- Appropriate safeguards are in place
- Third parties comply with privacy standards
16. Updates to Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
Significant changes will be communicated through:
- Website banner notification
- Email to registered users
- Updated cookie consent prompt
17. More Information
For more information about cookies and how to control them, visit:
18. Your Consent
By clicking "Accept All" on our cookie banner, you consent to the storage of cookies on your device for the purposes described in this policy.
By clicking "Decline," only essential cookies will be used.
You can withdraw your consent at any time by:
- Clearing cookies through browser settings
- Contacting us to reset your preferences
- Using our cookie management tool (if available)
19. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact:
FraudShield Legal
Data Protection Officer
10403 170 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5P 4T2
Canada
Email: privacy@fraudshieldlegal.org
Phone: +17804341894
Website: www.fraudshieldlegal.org