DW Fitness want unacceptable amounts of personal data

derbylass

Hi,
My current gym, Fitness First is closing in Derby so I decided to take a look at DW Fitness. Nice gym , all seemed fine. I called them yesterday to say I wanted to sign up and what would I need to take with me. I was told I would need 3 forms of ID, passport or driving license, utility bill or bank statement. When I asked why, the girl said it is company policy. When I asked what they do with this information, I was told that it was held on file. I have been a member of a number of gyms in various parts of the country over the years and I have only needed name and address and bank details. This certainly seems to be an excessive amount of personal information for a gym membership and with identity theft at an all time high, I have no intention of handing this data over.
Has anyone had the same issues with them? Do you think the collection of this amount of data acceptable?

Thanks

Di

visidigi

The collection of data with you address printed on it is perfectly acceptable if entering into a contract of this nature.

The problem is, too many people take out contracts with gyms and lie, which then cost to be traced when they don't pay.

Lack of honesty in the world results in a demand for proof, this is nothing other than a verification process.

arcon5

Identity theft is at an all time high according to you.... Maybe they know this and have been a victim and now ensuring they verify the identity of all new members to crack down on it

whatmichaelsays

I don't think it's unreasonable for a gym to expect prospective members to prove that they are who they say they are and that they live where they say they live.

shaun_from_Africa

Why do they want so much information?

Maybe because of people like this:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4134939

derbylass

Hi,

A business or organisation is not allowed to collect data outside of what is necessary to run the business etc. If the gym has your passport or driving licence number, this cannot be used to track members who haven't paid etc There is a sales contract in place to cover non payment.

I have spoken to Head Office today who said that customers have an option not to have their data photocopied. The relevant reason quoted to collect data is to make sure that bank details belong to the correct person. That is not a reason to be photocopying bank statements, driving licences and and passports.


After a conversation with a data protection specialist, they cannot keep data that is not relevant to the sale. All companies and businesses that collect any data have to provide a notice about how your data is used.

I am going to contact the club this week and see what they do next.

Your data is important, don't be too willing to give it to organisations, ask relevant questions first. The issue is that most people will just give their data without thinking and I am told reliably that this is a huge source for ID scammers.

It is your choice!

Derbylass

sc52

I agree with you - seems over the top.

Let us know how you get on.

Hintza

derbylass wrote: »

Your data is important, don't be too willing to give it to organisations, ask relevant questions first. The issue is that most people will just give their data without thinking and I am told reliably that this is a huge source for ID scammers.

It is your choice!

Derbylass

Guess you will be looking for another gym then.

DCFC79

Hintza wrote: »

Guess you will be looking for another gym then.

And 1 that doesn't ask too many questions.

sc52

and I thought these forums were to help people - not to have a dig or joke at their expense!!

2 thanks for an unhelpful comment says it all!

pickpocketlocket

sc52 wrote: »

and I thought these forums were to help people - not to have a dig or joke at their expense!!

2 thanks for an unhelpful comment says it all!

Hintza's answer is helpful - unless the gym is desperate for trade they are likely to tell you to take your business elsewhere.