Halifax Data Protection Breach

lianaf81

Hi,
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4818790

Above is the link to my initial post - please feel free to view.

Since the above post (November 2013) Halifax have again shared my Fathers D.O.B on my credit card account a further twice! After being assured the problem was resolved in November and compensated, I was shocked to find my credit card had again vanished off my Experian and Equifax report in January of this year. After various calls to the credit agencies and Halifax, I was shocked to find out they had AGAIN shared my Fathers DOB on my credit card account, meaning the credit agencies removed it. I was furious as this was the fourth time this had happened, and with a pending credit application - I needed to make sure my credit report was good. Again, Halifax admitted they were at fault again, offered me £150 and again assured me it would never happen again.

Now I received an alert from Equifax last week informing me that there had been a change to my report. A few days away from a credit application - I logged on to find my credit card had gone again. Surely, surely I thought they hadn't done it again? Well the following day Equifax confirmed the account had reverted back to my Fathers D.O.B! I was furious! That's 3 times in the last 6 months! Another complaint to Halifax and I was called yesterday to be informed they "do not know why it's happening" and its been referred to "senior management".

Anyone ever had anything like this or give any advice on what's the best approach/resolution for something like this? It's seriously stressing me and indeed my Father out! I have a good amount of savings with the bank and have been a customer with them for almost 20 years. I'm checking my accounts/credit files constantly now waiting for the next error!

Cheers.

YorkshireBoy

On your other thread you said...

I am going to contact the ombudsman and ico

...so a) have you done, and b) what was the outcome?

lianaf81

No I didn't as I was assured that the problem was resolved and would never happen again. Didn't really want to do that, just wanted it all sorted and finished with which I was told had happened. Clearly not!

Do that now then I presume? Looks like I'm going to have to.....

YorkshireBoy

lianaf81 wrote: »

No I didn't as I was assured that the problem was resolved and would never happen again. Didn't really want to do that, just wanted it all sorted and finished with which I was told had happened. Clearly not!

Do that now then I presume? Looks like I'm going to have to.....

You were adamant in your other thread that you wanted them punished. The advice (that you again now ask for) was to contact the FOS. You didn't do that then. Why ask for advice, receive it, not act on it, and then come back for some more advice?

Had you referred to the FOS back then, when you were advised to, the issue wouldn't now exist I'm sure.


But the answer to your question is yes...but not until you've made a formal complaint and waited 8 weeks for a final resolution. Did you make a formal complaint last year?

GingerBob_3

How do they know your father's DoB?

- Okay, I read your original thread. So, maybe threaten them with legal action, if you think their antics have adversely affected you in some way.

lianaf81

YorkshireBoy - Yes, made a formal complaint each time and they contacted me the following day offering compensation and assuring me it was resolved. However, when they made the error in January this year, the Halifax employee was rather abrupt without looking at past complaints and information and offered "£25" to close the complaint. I declined and said I would refer the case to Ombudsman, only to be called back later that evening with an apology saying she wasn't aware of the previous issues and a a £150 offer. I agreed, again was assured it was 100% sorted, and thought that would be the end this time.....surely.

I will now contact Ombudsman - thanks.

Gingerbob - my Father also banks with them and they had been initially sharing his address and DOB on the account via the credit agencies, but my name (the card was on my credit file and his) as well as allowing me to see their bank account on MY online banking! Myself and my Father complained back in November 2012 about this (first complaint) and although the online banking has been resolved - this credit card data sharing just keeps on happening - no matter how many times I tell them!