MerchantCircle

MerchantCircle is an online directory and social network designed to help small and midsize businesses connect with local customers and other businesses. The platform provides free and paid marketing tools, allowing merchants to create business listings, upload photos, write blog posts, and offer coupons. With a database that has included over 15 million business listings across the United States, its primary customers are small business owners seeking to establish an online presence and attract local clientele. While focused on business information, the service can expose the personal details of sole proprietors or home-based business owners, as listings may be created without consent, sometimes including personal names, phone numbers, and home addresses. This can lead to unsolicited contact and increases the risk of doxxing or harassment for individuals whose personal information becomes publicly associated with their business listing. To protect their privacy, business owners should regularly search for their information on such platforms and take steps to claim and correct or remove listings that expose sensitive personal data.