The Better Business Bureau On-Line Privacy Program (BBBOnLine) is a voluntary self-regulation program headed by a central Council that acts as a disputes resolution and regulation board. Propelled by its mission to promote online consumer trust, BBBOnLine works in conjunction with 140 local BBBs in the United States and Canada to encourage sound and ethical online business practices. This is does through its Privacy program, Reliability program and the BBB Code of Online Business Practices.

To apply for the BBBOnLine Privacy Seal, PearlsOnly.com was required to submit a comprehensive report to BBBOnLine regarding the handling of all online customers' personal data. After review, Pearlsonly.com was granted the BBBOnLine Privacy Seal, indicating that PearlsOnly.com business practices accord with the Reliability Program's stringent requirements.

PearlsOnly.com was also required to post a privacy policy that is easy to locate and to understand. The policy includes information on choice, access to data, data integrity, security and transfer of information to third parties.

In addition, all seal holders are required to participate in the Program's dispute resolution procedure. This provides for consumer-friendly dispute settlement and offers specific consequences for non-compliance by seal holders, such as seal withdrawal, harmful publicity and referral to government enforcement agencies.

"PearlsOnly.com has shown the strongest dedication to protecting its online customers' privacy by participating in the BBBOnLine Privacy Program and posting the BBBOnLine Privacy Seal on their website. We commend them for helping to build consumer trust and confidence on the Internet."

-Charlie Underhill, chief operating officer of BBBOnLine.

Further information regarding the BBBOnLine Privacy and Reliability Seal Programs can be found at www.bbbonline.org.