Vent/Warning Illegal advertising

CKhalvashi

I've had these through on my phone today, and just wanted to warn those that were thinking of doing it, as with all illegal advertising, it's most likely a scam.

This is purely motivated by greed, and working with some of the most vulnerable in society, more needs to be done about it :mad:

CK

browneyedbazzi

Forgive my ignorance, but what makes this advertisement illegal?

mattyprice4004

You should worry less about the ads, and more about your friend that thinks a full stop is a space.

CKhalvashi

browneyedbazzi wrote: »

Forgive my ignorance, but what makes this advertisement illegal?

Unsolicited text messaging. I'm sure that at least one company got fined for it at some point in the past.

mattyprice4004 wrote: »

You should worry less about the ads, and more about your friend that thinks a full stop is a space.

I didn't notice that :eek:

It just annoys me that companies feel it's ok to spam my mobile, when it's actually a business one!

antrobus

browneyedbazzi wrote: »

Forgive my ignorance, but what makes this advertisement illegal?

Ofcom says "It is against the law for companies to send you marketing texts unless you have previously given them permission."

I'm presuming here that the OP knows whether or not they have an existing relationship with 'brightdosh' and has given them permission, and hence it's illegal.

I think you're supposed to report it to the ICO.

browneyedbazzi

CKhalvashi wrote: »

Unsolicited text messaging. I'm sure that at least one company got fined for it at some point in the past.

If they're using personal data that they don't have the permission of the subject to use then there would be an issue but even then I believe it would be a civil rather than criminal issue.

The best thing to do is delete the messages and get a blocking app for your phone that lets you put the sender numbers in so you won't see future spam from them.

CKhalvashi

antrobus wrote: »

Ofcom says "It is against the law for companies to send you marketing texts unless you have previously given them permission."

I'm presuming here that the OP knows whether or not they have an existing relationship with 'brightdosh' and has given them permission, and hence it's illegal.

I think you're supposed to report it to the ICO.

I certainly don't have a relationship with them, as I only have 2 CC's and a few long-term liabilities (namely mortgages), and the company only has trade credit, plus a large loan for new premesis from a reputable high-street supplier (in other words, I only owe HSBC/AmEx money).

I've only borrowed in the past from NatWest and VTB Capital (large Russian investment bank)

browneyedbazzi wrote: »

If they're using personal data that they don't have the permission of the subject to use then there would be an issue but even then I believe it would be a civil rather than criminal issue.

The best thing to do is delete the messages and get a blocking app for your phone that lets you put the sender numbers in so you won't see future spam from them.

I don't know the exact law on this, but the ICO can deal with it

I can't use blocking technology, as it also blocks out a number of foreign phone numbers. Some 50% of our turnover ends up abroad somewhere (as we deal with royalty payments and music events)

CK

browneyedbazzi

I don't use blanket blocking but block specific numbers. So each time a new company sends through a text or makes a marketing call I add their number to the blocked list. I can't avoid getting the initial message/call but the app means I don't get all the repeat attempts and don't accidentally miss anything that would like to receive. Worth a go!

I also wouldn't hold my breath on the ICO dealing with anything. By all means report it, but accept that unless lots of others do the same they won't even look at it. And chances are that when they do look at it the messages will have come from abroad where the ICO can't touch the senders.

Gers

Have a read of this:

http://www.ico.org.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/marketing/texts?hidecookiesbanner=true

and forward any spam messages to 7726 (spam) or if you're on vodafone use 87726 - works for me everytime.

You can also block individual numbers indivdual numbers if need be.

Since I began forwarding numbers the messages aren't reaching me anymore. :j

mattyprice4004

thriftymanc wrote: »

Pressing space twice on an iPhone makes a fullstop, it's just a typo.

I know, was only a joke. I have an iPhone and did this a lot when I first used it.

Ronaldo_Mconaldo

So sick of hearing about the 'vulnerable' members of society. Those people that you seem to think we should all be bending over backwards to protect would just as likely stab you in the face than thank you for your help.