O2 telling OH about my bankruptcy

boltonangel

Hi

As the title states really.

When I went BR O2 were included in my debts. As they didn't update my credit files I've been communicating with them about it recently via email.

Yesterday my husband had cause to ring O2 about his account (in his sole name) and whilst on the phone the lady read out excerpts of an email I'd sent them and said that they'd proved my discharge from bankruptcy etc.
My husband knows about my BR but he's the only person who does and O2 had no reason to believe he already knew.

We are both furious at this breach of data protection, which in my opinion is very sensitive data (probably the most sensitive O2 posess about people) and wanted to run it past you guys.

Do you think I should log a complaint with the ICO or go straight to O2?

Thanks

Tryingsohardtofloat

That is shocking!

I'd go to O2 first & see what they say.

RuthnJasper

Like the previous poster, I think that is pretty disgusting on O2's part - and probably against the Data Protection Act. I'd complain to O2 first and give them a chance to apologise and deal with the situation, then take it further if their response is inappropriate.

Best wishes.

terra_ferma

I'd go with ICO straight away.
There are potentially serious consequences if confidential information is shared with partners/spouses, particularly if it's a soon-to-be ex, there are issues of alimony/child support, as well as potential harm if say an address is shared with a violent/threatening former partner.

mysterio_2

The ICO will probably throw it back and say you need to contact O2 and go through their complaints procedures 1st..its not suprising they said what they did though..included them in bankruptcy myself and the "bankruptcy" department were terrible!!

look at the london gazette though...all bankruptcys listed there for life!

boltonangel

mysterio wrote: »

The ICO will probably throw it back and say you need to contact O2 and go through their complaints procedures 1st..its not suprising they said what they did though..included them in bankruptcy myself and the "bankruptcy" department were terrible!!

look at the london gazette though...all bankruptcys listed there for life!

I appreciate that they're listed for life but there's a difference between searching for somebody by name and being informed about it by a 3rd party.

Thanks

boltonangel

Hi

O2 have replied admitting they did break data protection and offered me £50 as a good will gesture.

I'm unsure as to whether I accept this or not though. What do you all think?

Thanks

luvchocolate

I had a mortgage company who broke data protection by giving imformation to an ex partner not named on mortgage, I complained in writing refused £100 settled on £200

mysterio_2

i'd be tempted to send a message back saying try again...otherwise it's a formal complaint to the ICO's office for data breach (upto a £500,000 fine if the ICO decided to take further actions)

meer53

I wouldn't accept £50. It could have caused all sorts of problems for you, i'd ask for more.

As bankruptcy information is in the public domain, they haven't told your OH anything he couldn't have found out about himself. But they shouldn't have divulged any information from private emails from you to them, whatever it related to. They don't know the situation between you and your OH do they ?

1step-at-a-time

Like others have said £50 isn't acceptable. I'd reply back and like Mysterio says if unacceptable still complain to ICO.

When NRAM screwed up with me they actually breached someone else's data. When requested some information on my account they randomly sent me a third parties mortgage details back with my documents. They gave £100 with regards to the complaint despite nothing about me being divulged to a third party. As I don't trust NRAM I wrote to the people whose information I received and I'd like to think they made a complaint too as it had their bank details and all sorts on there!