New Scottish Power customer? Check your details!

johngc

I have been a Scottish Power customer for over two years and never had a problem. Last week we moved house and I called up to transfer my account to the new address.

Yesterday I received two letters from Scottish Power:

The first had my name, address, telephone number and on the back my bank details for the direct debit.

The second had my name, a variation of my address, someone else's phone number and on the back someone else's bank details! (Name, account number and sort code!)

Both letters were addressed to me but had different Scottish Power account numbers and campaign codes.

I called them immediately and have been told that it has been recorded as a serious complaint and that I will receive a call in up to ten days.

I assumed that the phone number related to the person who's bank details I had been given, so called them to warn them that their details had been disclosed. However, it was someone else!

Scottish Power have clearly messed up. They have disclosed two peoples details to me (ok, so one was only a phone number, but the other was full name and bank details). I can only assume that my details have also been disclosed to others.

Surely this is a breach of data protection? I know that I am protected by the direct debit guarantee but it is not much consolation that I will now have to go through my bank statements with a fine tooth comb each month to check that no one has tried to use my details! Not to mention the possibility that some one now may have enough data to make a good attempt at stealing my identity.

Terrylw1

Hi,

I've seen it happen on billing systems with telephone numbers but never with DD details as a result of automation. So, it may be human error.

Remember that your details are covered by the Data Protection Act so if someone gains access to your data you will have a case against them.

HonestJohn

Every time you send someone a cheque you give them the same details. It doesn't mean they can take money from your account.

Terrylw1

I think the OP is stating that if he has gained access to someone elses details, someone else could have his.

It could be the case. It could also be that only the OP has the access to someone elses due to a data error.

It's happened to me before. I suddenly had someone elses Barclaycard details on my Lloyds TSB online banking account.