Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 4, 2026
The Trapped Trader (thetrappedtrader.com) is operated by Jon Lasley, based in Michigan, USA. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. We keep it plain. If you have questions, email hello@thetrappedtrader.com.
01—Information We Collect
What We Collect and How
We collect only the minimum information needed to operate the site and deliver the newsletter. Here’s exactly what that is:
- Newsletter sign-up: When you subscribe to The Trader’s Debrief, we collect your email address and, if you provide it, your first name. This information is submitted voluntarily by you.
- Server logs via Vercel: Our hosting provider, Vercel, automatically collects standard server log data when you visit the site. This includes your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, and pages visited. This data is processed by Vercel and governed by their privacy policy.
- Contact inquiries: If you email us directly, we collect your email address and the content of your message in order to respond to you.
- Aggregate analytics: We use Vercel Analytics to understand how visitors use the site. This service is privacy-friendly: it does not use cookies, does not track individuals across sessions, and does not collect personally identifiable information. We see aggregate data such as page views, referral sources, and general geographic regions.
We do not collect payment card information, Social Security numbers, government IDs, or any sensitive financial data. We do not purchase or receive data about you from third parties.
02—How We Use Your Information
What We Do With What We Collect
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Deliver the newsletter: Your email address is used to send The Trader’s Debrief and any other emails you sign up for. Every email includes an unsubscribe link.
- Respond to inquiries: When you contact us, we use your email and message content to reply to you. We do not add you to the newsletter mailing list based on a direct inquiry alone without your explicit consent.
- Improve the site: Aggregate analytics data helps us understand which content is most useful and how to improve the site experience. No individual is tracked.
- Operate and secure the site: Server logs help us diagnose technical issues, detect abuse, and maintain site security.
We do not sell your data. We do not share your personal information with advertisers, data brokers, or any third party for their own marketing purposes. Full stop.
03—Third-Party Services
Services That Process Your Data
Operating the site requires certain third-party services. Each one is listed here with a link to their privacy policy.
Vercel
Hosting & infrastructure
The site is hosted on Vercel. Vercel processes server logs and provides Vercel Analytics. Their infrastructure is located in the United States.
Privacy Policy →Newsletter Provider
Email delivery (TBD)
The newsletter email service provider has not yet been finalized. When configured, the provider and a link to their privacy policy will be disclosed here. Newsletter subscribers will be notified.
Payment Processing
Future: not currently active
The Trapped Trader does not currently accept payments. When paid course access is introduced via UpSkalr, a payment processor will be engaged and disclosed here. We will never store your payment card information on our own servers.
UpSkalr
Related platform (upskalr.com)
UpSkalr is a related but legally separate entity. If you follow links to upskalr.com, UpSkalr’s own privacy policy governs any data collected there.
Visit UpSkalr →Fonts are self-hosted via Next.js. No Google Fonts CDN calls are made. No tracking pixels, ad networks, or third-party analytics SDKs (other than Vercel Analytics) are loaded on this site.
04—Cookies and Tracking
What Gets Stored in Your Browser
Currently, The Trapped Trader does not set any cookies. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking cookies, or third-party cookies of any kind. There is no cookie consent banner because there is nothing to consent to.
Vercel Analytics is designed to be privacy-first and operates without cookies or local storage tracking. It measures aggregate traffic patterns, not individuals.
The LMS course section of the site uses your browser’s localStorage to remember which lessons you have completed. This data never leaves your device and is not transmitted to any server.
If third-party services are added in the future that require cookies (such as analytics tools or a newsletter provider that sets cookies), this section will be updated and we will provide appropriate notice and controls.
05—Data Retention
How Long We Keep Your Data
- Newsletter data: Your email address and name are retained for as long as you remain subscribed. When you unsubscribe, your data is removed from the active mailing list. Depending on the newsletter provider, a suppression record may be kept to prevent re-adding you accidentally. You can request full deletion at any time by contacting us.
- Server logs: Server log data is retained according to Vercel’s own data retention policies. We do not control the specific retention period for Vercel infrastructure logs. Refer to Vercel’s privacy policy for details.
- Direct inquiries: Emails you send us are retained for as long as needed to address your question, and no longer than two years unless there is a legal reason to retain them.
06—Your Rights
Access, Correction, and Deletion
You have the following rights with respect to your personal information. To exercise any of them, email hello@thetrappedtrader.com.
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate data we hold about you, such as an outdated email address.
- Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information. We will honor this request unless we are legally required to retain it.
- Opt-out: Unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email, or by emailing us directly.
California residents (CCPA): Under the California Consumer Privacy Act, you have the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete it, and the right to opt-out of the sale of your data. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your CCPA rights, contact hello@thetrappedtrader.com.
EU and UK residents (GDPR/UK GDPR): If you are located in the European Union or United Kingdom, you have the right to access, rectify, erase, and port your personal data, as well as the right to object to or restrict processing in certain circumstances. The Trapped Trader is a small independent site operated from the United States. For data requests or concerns, contact hello@thetrappedtrader.com.
07—Children’s Privacy
This Site Is for Adults
The Trapped Trader is a trading education resource covering futures, options, and stock trading. Trading involves financial risk and requires legal capacity to enter into financial contracts. This site is intended for individuals who are at least 18 years of age.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you are under 18, please do not submit any personal information through this site, including newsletter sign-up forms or contact forms.
If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from someone under 18, we will delete that information promptly. If you believe we may have collected information from a minor, please contact us at hello@thetrappedtrader.com.
08—Data Security
How We Protect Your Information
We take reasonable steps to protect the information we hold:
- All data transmitted between your browser and this site is encrypted via HTTPS.
- We use reputable, established service providers (Vercel) who maintain their own security programs.
- We limit the personal data we collect in the first place. Less data means less risk.
No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security. If you have reason to believe your information has been compromised in any way, please contact us immediately at hello@thetrappedtrader.com.
09—Changes to This Policy
When and How We Update This Page
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as the site grows, new services are added, or legal requirements change. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page reflects when the most recent changes were made.
For material changes (such as adding a new third-party service that processes your data, or changing how we use newsletter addresses), we will provide notice to newsletter subscribers via email before the change takes effect.
We encourage you to review this page periodically. Continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
10—Contact
Privacy Questions and Requests
For any questions about this Privacy Policy, to exercise your data rights, or to report a concern, contact:
See also our Terms of Use.