Wirght Hassall sending txt messages

Capt_Tony

Before I start I have read the newbie bits and won't repeat PCN stories. I have ignored all correspondence up to now as I have in the past but this time I have had the standard letter from Wright Hassal (WH)l, this is not a problem as it was addressed to me and my home address, what is concerning is that just before receipt of the letter one of my family members (FM) received a text message addressed to me on their mobile phone. It clearly identified me and also identified WH as a solicitors. The FM's phone number/account was opened by me years ago but in the last 2 and half years has been in the name of the FM with the only connection being that the monthly account is paid from me bank account. I have never used that number nor given it to anyone and the FM has given it to a very small group of friends.
There are questions about this.
Was the number obtained illegally?
Have WH broken Data Protection Laws by sending unsolicited text messages to a number that has not been confirmed as mine?
I have no doubt they have acted unethically and am about to send a letter to the chairman of WH demanding answers and also warning them that I may report the matter to the SRA.

Any comments and/or advice gratefully received.

I apologise if this may be the wrong forum but it is connected to PCNs.

Fruitcake

I don't know if a DPA breach has occurred. I know there are ways of tracing someone by their mobile 'phone data, even someone with a PAYG 'phone can be traced in certain circumstances, but I don't know what methods have been used here. Perhaps a tracing company has been used that can legitimately get 'phone contract data under certain circumstances, the same way that PPCs can get keeper data under certain circumstances.

I do have to ask you one question though. Why have you ignored everything so far? The advice to ignore has not been given here since the law changed in 2012. Most people don't want parking charges to go to court, unless you have a specific desire to do so.

The_Deep

Complain to the SRA

http://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems/report-solicitor.page

It will cost WH time and money to deal with it.

Capt_Tony

Ignored until now as that was the advice the last time I had a pcn, probably before 2012. In none of the previous incidents have I been the driver, only the RK.
I had a robust telephone conversation with WH recently but all they would say was their client provided the number thus effectively admitting not carrying out due diligence.

Coupon-mad

The user of the phone, if your child (even if an adult student) should respond to a WH text, ONCE, stating that the phone is used by a child of Mr xxxxxx so they must stop contacting this number immediately.

Don't ring WH again.

Fruitcake

Coupon-mad wrote: »

The user of the phone, if your child (even if an adult student) should respond to a WH text, ONCE, stating that the phone is used by a child of Mr xxxxxx so they must stop contacting this number immediately.

Don't ring WH again.

I would use the term minor, rather than child.

Coupon-mad

Yes if they really are a minor - but the point is, they might be 21 or 31 but can still say 'child' but could not say 'minor'!

beamerguy

Capt_Tony ..... WH sent the text and their answer is not acceptable.

Attempting to collect monies means the onus is with them to provide you how their client obtained the number

Apart from the SRA which is advised, you also have the ICO and OFCOM to contact

If WH fail to advise you the route of this problem then advise them that no further communication with them will happen and you reserve the right to bring this matter in front of a judge

Do not give up ...... there is an answer so do not be fobbed off by WH