SurveyFriends

thriftymanc

problem solved

JamesJLee

That's really bad. There are a lot of frauds over internet. But thanks for telling us your experience. Its really helpful. Hope your matter gets resolved.

wkdboi

Basically I would contact the ICO and use parts of the data protection act, as this company have clearly breach security by sending out you password to an potentially unknown third party, yes I know its not in this case but you get what I mean.

Basically think of it this way, if they can send your password so easy, how easy would it be for: A. Hacker B.Data Breach C. Someone to mail you're password to someone unknown

Here is some further information which is to be read in the 3rd party way as its about a company rather than indivdual, but hopefull will help some

If you need any more advice PM me 'quote below';

The important thing is not the password, but the access.

For example, if you issued the password to someone, or it was auto generated, but under the privacy agreement you can access your clients space to carry out your duty (e.g. help them install something), then it doesn't matter how it was issued. What's important is if you're allowed access or not.

Likewise, I believe a woman was jailed for accessing her husbands facebook account. It might have even been set to auto login, and whilst that may help to an extend if defending themselves (accidental access), they weren't allowed access, and they then abused it, so it's gaining unlawful access, which is an offence.

So whether you know the password or not doesn't matter, it's if you have the right to access whatever the password is controlling access to.
So there are cases where you could be allowed access but not know the password (if providing a service), or where you know it but you shouldn't be allowed access (e.g. they wrote it down).

I hope that helps.

EDIT: Realise I didn't answer your question regarding data protection. You have a duty of care to protect any personal/sensitive information. Obviously bank details and so forth (e.g. when handling transactions), have stricter requirements. I'd always err on the side of caution, and your best bet is to consult a professional if you're going to be handling any sensitive data.

Oxford125

Hi Thrifymanc, I also experienced problems with Surveyfriends. After repeated emails to them (with unsatisfactory responses) I decided to report them to the ICO. The case was investigated and the ICO confirmed that Surveyfriends had breached the Data Protection Act. The ICO did what they could (within their remit), however the matter remains unresolved and Surveyfriends have still not paid me.

It's certainly worth complaining to the ICO as they can confirm if there has been a breach of the Data Protection Act and they can take action against companies for repeated breaches. I found their response very helpful.

Surveyfriends is owned by Netetude, a French company who have an office in London (N7 9DP). They also run Panel Opinion. When the ICO respond to you, it would be a good idea to tell them that the parent company is Netetude (if not already done so) as they can then locate any other complaints made against them.

I wonder how many payouts Surveyfriends refuse to make by claiming that members have "broken the rules". I did consider reporting them to Trading Standards, but I've wasted more time than I would like dealing with the dodgy company who seem to make up their own rules. Good luck with your dispute.

cally6008

>> They also run Panel Opinion.

Another dodgy survey company. I joined, did 2 surveys and have been stuck on £5.50 with no surveys ever sent out to me since.

matt-comparison

A review that I just saw on a review website about PanelOpinion, the sister company, as someone suggest:

"Signed up with them at the beginning of the year and hardly received any surveys. I had been stuck on £2.50 and even did the surveys without payment in the hope that it would generate some paid surveys. I emailed them twice asking why I couldn't update my profile so I could get more paid surveys, but have today deleted my account."

On the other hand, I haven't been able to find a lot of other complaints about them. Could be that they generally pay but easily find excuses of removing people away from their systems.