Bank Breach Data Protection Act

rancid_elf

Hi, Hope I am posting this in correct forums.

I am with the Abbey bank and on 2 occasions they have breached the Data Protection Act by disclosing my account information to a 3rd party.

About a year ago my girlfriend ( who also has an abbey account ) transfered some money from her account into mine. She did this via the telephone banking system. Whilst on the phone to the assistant she asked for details of my account and the assistant just told her my account balance etc without any hesitation.

2 Weeks ago she had to make another transfer from her account into mine and while on phone to them she was being nosey and asked some more information. The information given to her from the assitant was balance & direct debit info. Not sure what other information she got from them.

I contacted the bank to complain about this and they said they would look into it. I was told someone would contact me. I have contacted them 3 times now in teh last 2 weeks and no one seems to be bothered or care about this.

Can someone advise me on action I should be taking.

Do I have a case against the bank for breach of the Data Protection Act?

What organisation or people should I contact to gain help and advice in this matter?

Thanks for any help

geordiepaul2001

Sorry mate I am a bit pushed for time so I'll keep this short and sweet.
Try - http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/
Its the next step when complaining to the bank fails.

Paul

RichyRich

When I worked there (2004) they were very very strict on DPA - we had to be super careful and avoid giving out info where there was even the slightest chance of a breach.

How standards seem to have slipped.

I'm not sure what cause of action the DPA imposes - there is certainly a criminal action (they can be prosecuted) but I doubt that you would have a civil action against them unless their omission caused you actual loss.

The CAB will be able to advise you on any recourse you may have, as will your local trading standards office. If you have the time, read up on the law regarding this at your local library.

Rich

Cobertizo

If you want to report a breach of Data Protection, then you'll want to wander over to the Information Commissioner's Office (https://www.ico.gov.uk). Check out the Complaints link on the left hand side of that site for guidance.