Breach of Data Protection-DWP

Juicyloo

Have just phoned DWP as they have sent 2 demands arriving yesterday and today, asking for £240 dating back to October 2009.

I called the number to ask where it came from, and the lady- Brenda_ only asked my name then went on to say it was an overpayment from in work credit! What!!!


They are making this up, and I could have been anyone! I could be the postman. Massive breach of Data protection and so sick of them I want to take it further.

I was one of the people who got a letter saying my child benefit details had been nicked. I was a person who got an apology letter saying that they messed up in an income support claim last year. That cost me a grand in council tax as welfare rights were so busy, and my energy was and still is so drained. I am a full time carer for my two parents as an only child! Their health is getting worse- this has been my situation since 5th June 2006, yet only realised I could claim carers allowance last May!

Where do I go? My local councillor? Information services commission?

Juicyloo

Gets even better. Just phoned to speak to a manager, and get the message that 'due to staff training, the office is closed between 11.45 and 1.30'- cynical moi???

tcr_3

So you phoned them & they answered your query ?

Massive data protection breach ... not.

Juicyloo

Doh tcr- yes I phoned them, and yes they gave out information without verifying who I was.

tcr_3

Juicyloo wrote: »

Doh tcr- yes I phoned them, and yes they gave out information without verifying who I was.

So they gave your information to you ?

Listen, you're what's known as a vexatious claimant. Just pay your debt, huh ? Then move on.

intranix

The didnt give out sensitive information though did they, so what's the issue?

lauzellen

The issue is that they have to VERIFY that you are who you say you are...

OP did you claim/receive in work credit? Are you contesting that you don't owe this overpayment? Or is it their lax in security that you are questioning? Maybe both?

tcr_3

lauzellen wrote: »

The issue is that they have to VERIFY that you are who you say you are...

OP did you claim/receive in work credit? Are you contesting that you don't owe this overpayment? Or is it their lax in security that you are questioning? Maybe both?

The ISSUE is what the OP says it is. And that's a DATA PROTECTION BREACH.

And if DWP didn't disclose the OP's info to someone else then THERE'S NO BREACH. Or are you just thick ?

As to the overpayment, oh, they owe it alright.

Juicyloo

Actually, no, I do not owe it!

as for annoying claimant- lol

The lady I spoke to had no right to discuss the supposed overpayment with me- she did not do data protection.

Was asking for advice- interesting how much negativity I attracted

Juicyloo

intranix wrote: »

The didnt give out sensitive information though did they, so what's the issue?

Yes, as in the amount owed etc and why?

Juicyloo

Not bothered about the payment- don't owe em anything.

It's the persistent lax in security!!