Suing Thames water for obtaining personal information via illegal means

dindin

peachyprice wrote: »

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Twonk, the debt collectors got your address from your credit file, which your bank updated with your new address, duh.

Are you telling me that Thames water can access your account i.e new address/old address with the money in the account without ones consent.What a load of nonsense. I certainly did not consent to them viewing my bank details. And is the bank allowed to give this new address details. I do not think so. Example. When you go for a loan from a bank or other creditors why do they ask your current and previous addresses/ If you have been with them for years and moved several times. they should have the details of previous address on the system. So why ask you. Its because of the what is known as the Data Protection Act.
Have you ever been in situation of know any one where by the money is gone to someone's account and you go to the bank or the provider and ask them for the persons address, do they give it you?

Din

dindin

Cardew wrote: »

I suspect the OP is confused(amongst many other points) about a single person 'assessed charge' not realising it doesn't apply when you have a meter

Nope I do not have a meter. I have asked for one but no one seems to know I had asked for one.
yes McKneff,Cardew knows this single person charge. So, McKneff, please do no update if you have no knowledge.

giraffe69

So if Thames can't remember your phone calls why don't you write to them as suggested above? Try to remain rational. Your above posts show you find that hard!

Gothicfairy

dindin wrote: »

Hello,
I am thinking of taking legal action against thames water for obtaining my personal information via illegal means. They say that I owe them for unpaid water usage. On the dates specified, there was someone living there and I have called them 3-4 times and told them but they do not want to know. I also told them I would be charging them for this calls and for my time but everytime I call them they have no record of the conversation, but thats their problem. They also owe me for overpayment from previous year, as they had charged me full rate when there was only 1 resident, so I called them and surprise surprise, they were not interested, so I said I would be deducting my future bills from that amount and adding interest at 8% or they can refund straight away. I had also told them to put a meter outside as I intend to pay for the water I use, not what they think I need to pay for, for not using. But they have no record of this conversation. I said a Meter outside as there was so many robberies relating to Thames water 'agents' entering and robbing the occupants.

They have got a debt collection agency to send letters of intent and obviously I have called them but they just do not have a record of the previous conversation, which I know they are very good at not inputting into the system but I am not bothered about that either. I have also told them if they think I owe them money can can gladly take me to court but it seems that the do not want to. I also mentioned that if they put adverse credit on me, then I would take them to court.
I moved recently and I have not updated my electoral register and have not given my forwarding address to any utilities companies either. Just the bank details were updated. Last week I got a letter from the same debt collection agency and I was surprised how they got hold of the details. Then I remembered watching BBC Panorama or Dispatches Program, were its possible to get hold of anyone's information via illegal means, these private investigators tactics of getting hold of ones information.
Thames water have a habit of harassing people, as I have had the privilege before, as well, hence I never give my phone number to them, as they or their agents keep on calling even at odd times.

I am also thinking of informing the Information Commissioners Office, as well.
Briefly looking at the Data Protection Act, I have 2 options - magistrates court max fine of £5000 or High Court of Unlimited. I am not looking to benefit by being greedy but so many would agree that Thames water, takes liberties. So do anyone know of Data Protection or Personal Information Solicitor. Any solicitor would quickly say yes but that is not what I am looking for.
Thank you and look forward to your suggestions
Din

I am afraid it is you who is wrong, they have not incorrectly charged you anything. The single assessed charge only applies one a meter has been refused and is not back dated past the date of the meter application.
Write in for a meter or fill the form in on their web site and as for someone living in the property...Supply written proof of who and they will do something but they will not change anything based on a phone call.

You are being unreasonable and you have no idea how they got the info ie DVLA, Land registry, Council tax etc etc

dindin

Thanks for replies.

I did not tell the council my moving to address nor did I pay the current council tax with bank and ctax paid after I received the thames water credit chasers letter. DVLA changing address-nope. As I mentioned, I only changed the bank records. Banks are not allowed to reveal personal details even if you move, under the data protection act. If you think I am wrong, ask your bank.

Din

pickpocketlocket

Get the feeling that anyone who disagrees with the OP will be told they are wrong, which is quite unlikely given that no one does agree with him!

peachyprice

dindin wrote: »

Thanks for replies.

I did not tell the council my moving to address nor did I pay the current council tax with bank and ctax paid after I received the thames water credit chasers letter. DVLA changing address-nope. As I mentioned, I only changed the bank records. Banks are not allowed to reveal personal details even if you move, under the data protection act. If you think I am wrong, ask your bank.

Din

But the bank ARE allowed to update your address on your credit file, yes?

Debt collectors are allowed to access your credit file, yes?

Now, how do you think Thames Water/their collection agent got your new address?

sithmaster

agree with above post

keystone

peachyprice wrote: »

But the bank ARE allowed to update your address on your credit file, yes?

Debt collectors are allowed to access your credit file, yes?

Now, how do you think Thames Water/their collection agent got your new address?

Oh do stop it. OP has made up his/her mind. Stop trying to confuse him/her with facts.

Cheers

meer53

OP, go for it. Please come back and let us know how you get on.