E-On cold calling hassle

DVardysShadow

Plushchris wrote: »

If thats the case its a bit daft of them to phone up and say they are from E-on when the OP would have put they were with E-on in the comparison site isnt it?


Maybe Malc could clarify if E-on have third party call centres that call on their behalf?

Of course it is daft. But it really depends what data they actually get and what they say they want it for and how they actually get it.

I have moved home and had unsolicited calls from a utility company, I believe off the back of calls to an insurance company. I was dealing with such a pushy chump who actually had no product I wanted - and knew it, that i felt she had taken my details and was referring me on.

The business of referrals is a murky world - and if someone calls you claiming to be from a company, they will probably have a deal to sell you from that company - but more than likely they are employed by an unrelated marketing company. The actual company with the product is happy to take the business - but keeps the cold callers at arms length.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

backfoot wrote: »

Malc,

Could you also ask him the simple questions I asked in Post 12, please.

I feel very uncomfortable about this whole process (tick box or no tick box) and don't understand why it is at all necessarry.

Thank you.:)

Happy to backfoot. Will also send him this thread ready for his return and ask him to comment on all the questions.

I've put in my diary and will follow up.

Malc

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi guys

As promised, I've found out a bit more info about some of the questions raised on this thread now the manager I needed to talk to is back from holiday.

Some comparison sites include a 'data share permission' option on their pages to enable them to share data with other parties for the purpose of following up on enquiries that didn't result in an online switch.

E.ON, like many other organisations, legitimately acquires this data for the purpose of calling prospective customers.

However, some of this data doesn't include 'current supplier' details. Hence, on occasion, existing customers may receive a call from us.

E.ON will only utilise data from sites that clearly display a third party data share opt in/opt out button.

For clarity, uSwitch doesn't share its enquiry data with us.

Depending on work volumes, we sometimes outsource these and other tasks. However, calls are monitored to make sure we're compliant with Ofgem's guidelines.

Hope this answers the points raised. As ever, give me a shout if anyone has any more questions or requires further clarification. Will be happy to help.

Malc

backfoot

Thanks Malc,

Once again a comprehensive reply.

Can't say I like the intrusion part of the process but provided the Supplier is compliant with the sales rules,I don't suppose there is anything wrong.

If I am on TPS, will that override the tick box?

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi backfoot

To be honest, not sure how TPS works. Possibly worth checking with them.

However, we can highlight your account so as not to contact you for marketing purposes if you wish. Just let us know and this can be done very quickly.

Malc

backfoot

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc wrote: »

Hi backfoot

To be honest, not sure how TPS works. Possibly worth checking with them.

However, we can highlight your account so as not to contact you for marketing purposes if you wish. Just let us know and this can be done very quickly.

Malc

Cheers Malc,

If anyone calls me under these circumstances, I would report it as a breach of the TPS.

I would argue that unless the data is collected by an opt in box, the call is unwanted. I have the TPS for the very reason of not wanting unsolicited calls.

My suggestion would be for Eon to partner only with those sites who operate opt in boxes, rather than opt out data sharing tick boxes. I also think you should only approach those customers who don't have TPS.

In that way,you are likely to get customers who may want your input, rather than those who are on TPS who don't.TPS have significant powers in terms of fines.

Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to use the general tools to avoid unsolicited calls rather than identyfying each and every Company in all sectors, who want to hassle me.

Npower did ignore all of this quite recently and ended up with a mess on their hands. The sales rep lied and attempted to missell. (there is a thread). The case was reported and the rep was disciplined. I also reported the matter to TPS. In my experience such calls are of the same ilk as doorstep sellers and the agents basically lie to gain business and commission.

Doorstep selling is dying following public pressure and I would hope this sort of phone hassle operated by Eon (and others) will also be withdrawn in due course. There really is no need for such a waste of resource and cost, which we all end paying for.To be frank,it smacks of desperation.

(Nothing personal, Malc.)

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Don't worry backfoot, I don't take things personally. :cool:

Just to be clear, we only utilise data from sites that clearly display a third party data share opt in/opt out button.

As ever, I'll feed your comments back to the right people.

Malc