Boiler instalation quote - information required

sazzle

I have today had British gas round to give me a quote for have a new boiler installed and some other minor works. the man who came round took all the details of what I wanted etc then asked if he could log on to his computer to input all the details. He asked lots of questions about the house sec.. then one final question. "What was my date of birth" I asked my this was required, to which he replied the company needed it to verify me under the data protection, Money laundering and terrorisms act.:think: I work for a bank so know what they relates to in regards to my job but not when requiring a boiler unless they think I am going to do something underhand with the boiler after it's fitted. I also advised I would not want finance as would be paying in one go, but was told they would not give a quote without it. He said in 5 years I was the first to not want to give these details. I explained I was not happy for him to have my name, address and my date of birth on his laptop. He could also not tell me what protection was on his laptop in case of theft to protect my details So on refusing he just advised they could not do the work for me and he left.
Does anyone know why this is place?:mad:

Pink_fluff

Alot of companies ask for this now for data protection. Say when you call a company, they would ask for your name, add, etc etc... date of birth is just another way to verify who you are, and to ensure that nobody else can access your accounts with diff companies.

Vestra

It's just DPA, I have to ask all my customers for it.

sazzle

Thanks for your replies. I am aware of the DPA, but all I wanted was a quote from British Gas. I can understand the details being required if I agreed to having the work done, but just to get a quote I think is a bit extreme.

Mazio_2

Its so they can sell your info to third parties.

Incisor

Rian1988 wrote: »

It's just DPA, I have to ask all my customers for it.

Sorry, you might be told to do that, and it might be how your employer organises their processes, but the Data Protection Act does not require that any gives their date of birth. I don't know why we swallow such nonsense as 'we require your DOB for DPA' - there may be good reasons, but DPA is not one of them.

DirectDebacle

I agree. All identity theft has to start somewhere. Knowing someones full name, date of birth, address, sex and what they look like is a good start. Add to that mothers maiden name and bank account no. and the experienced fraudster is well on the way. The poster is switched on. Others would have probably volunteered more information if asked. There is too much information required these days on individuals.

Data Ptotection Act!!! If there wasn't so much data kept on us we wouldn't need one.

As an afterthought B.G. are likely to have given you the most expensive quote for a boiler replacement you are ever likely to get. Get three quotes from local CORGI Regd. tradesmen. They will be much more competitive.

mike_the_bike_2

Save yourself the hassle and of course the expense and get "Bert" your local Corgi Man with a good reputation to do the job. He is however unlikely to have a lap top and therefore won't require that information.. He is highly likely to be at least a third cheaper than BG

1carminestocky

I'm surprised BG need to ask a punter's date of birth. Clearly anyone signing up for a BG boiler installation must have been born only yesterday.

sazzle

Totally agree with you Carmine, Iwas only using them to get some tips on what needs to be done etc and just for a laugh to see the extortionate price they would of tried to charge me!!