How long will creditors keep calling ?

Selidie

I have found that mentioning thing like that have proven quite useful in the past. Often call center operators (which is all these people are most of the time) get quite concerned if you start quoting regulations on them.

I have a quick query and I don't know if anyone can give me any pointers or not, but here goes. Its not really money related, as such, but does relate to data protection. I did some searches on Google last night but didnt seem to find any appropriate results.

I was discussing data protection stuff with a collegue at work, who I have known for many years. He mentioned to me that he got sick of 'cold callers' once a little while back and as a test, gave a false name to a company that contacted him. When asked he specifically stated he didnt want his information to go to anyone etc etc. Within a couple of weeks he was getting phone calls from other companies asking for the false name he gave, he is now also getting junk mail addressed to that same name.

The question is, there has obviously been a blantant breach of data protection by the original company but can he do anything? Bearing in mind he gave false information when originally asked ?

davek1

your friend can call himself mickey mouse so long as he doesn't do it for an illegal purpose.

The DPA requires bodies to maintain data for specific purposes and to use data only for the stated purposes. If your friend has speciffically said do not pass on my details etc and they have gone against his wishes there is an argument that they have failed to secure and maintain that data. However prooving it will be an entirely different matter. The commissioners seem to take misuse of data seriously when it is a public body such as police, nhs etc but not when its a private company.

The best thing to do is check the information commissioners website http://www.ico.gov.uk/
and you can check that companies etc are registered to retain, use and distribute your data and for which purposes they are registered. Find a company not registered BINGO make a complaint and the commissioners will act. Also very useful articles about general DPA issues etc

harveybobbles

Selidie wrote: »

Great post Iwantmorecash, ended up saving me a bit of time. I had a text today from the very same number just saying:

"I need to talk to you, can you call me on 01244879094"


thanks

I think we should all phone Pat and really annoy the pants off him/her!

:whistle: