CRAs - the root of most junk mail?

GingerBob_3

A while ago I received an invitation from Standard Life to buy an insurance product. From the invitation it was clear that this company, whom I have never had any dealings with, knew quite a bit about me. I commenced an investigation as to how they found out about me, given that I religiously do not consent to data about me being used for marketing. They provided details of the company who provided them with my details, so I contacted that company and asked the same question; another consumer data specialist was the source. On and on it went. Today I have reached what I think is the end of the chain, which is five companies long. I've been informed by one of these companies that their source is - wait for it - a CRA! Equifax to be precise.


I have no relationship with Equifax, but of course they collect vast amounts of data about me, some without my consent. Any ideas how I might stop data blaggers like Equifax spewing out my personal details to all and sundry? ICO will be my first port of call, but I don't hold out much hope there.

[Deleted User]

MPS and TPS.

GingerBob_3

Deleted_User wrote: »

MPS and TPS.

Already signed up.

KJSmith

GingerBob wrote: »

I have no relationship with Equifax, but of course they collect vast amounts of data about me...

I don't think the chain stops at Equifax. You do have a relationship with the companies that share information with Equifax, and maybe you've inadvertently given permission for your data to used in this way

GingerBob_3

KJSmith wrote: »

I don't think the chain stops at Equifax. You do have a relationship with the companies that share information with Equifax, and maybe you've inadvertently given permission for your data to used in this way

I will certainly be contacting Equifax to ascertain how they sourced the data - from credit reference files or elsewhere, and if elsewhere, then precisely where? My understanding is that they are not allowed to use credit reference data for marketing purposes.

MEM62

Almost all financial contracts will have clauses in them relating to data sharing. And as for those occasions when data sharing is 'optional' it is only too easy to miss the tick box to exclude yourself - particularly as some you click to include and some you click to exclude.

You did well to find the source and I am sure it took a lot of digging but I expect that you will only be able to minimise the process and not stop it.

GingerBob_3

To pick up on this again. Last week I contacted both Equifax and CallCredit by email, asking them to provide the source of data about me, which they've passed on to other companies.


So far neither organisation has responded. The email addresses I have are as follows:


[EMAIL="customer.relationsuk@equifax.com"]customer.relationsuk@equifax.com[/EMAIL]


[EMAIL="consumer@callcreditgroup"]consumer@callcreditgroup[/EMAIL]


Does anyone know if these are up to date, or are there alternative addresses I can use.


Thanks.