Calls received as company published my number by accident

martyp

Hi all,


Just wondering what the general thought is on this. I started getting calls on my private home number (which is only given to close family) as a result of my number being published in error on a website. I was getting sometimes several calls a day and contacted the company at the start of May to make them aware of the error but was still getting calls until a couple of days ago as my number still existed on another part of the website. I passed on the numbers to the company that called and also advised callers of the correct number to call.
Should I get some form of recompense do you think for the disturbance of receiving these calls for over a month? They did greatly apologise for it, the error was down to their web design company they used.
Just interested to know what others would do, sweep it under the rug as an honest mistake?

davidmcn

I take it this is just a typo, rather than a breach of data protection (i.e. they didn't have your number for some other reason)? What "recompense" do you think a few wrong numbers a day is worth? I can't see what legal right you would have to anything, it's just one of these things.

in_my_wellies

As you say in the title, 'by accident' so just move on

martyp

Thanks both, I do think the company have been good about it and realistically the callers have been polite people as it was for something that only appealed to more 'classy' types. I was nice to all the callers and also the people that owned the website as I did appreciate it was a mistake. It did get a little annoying being frequently disturbed by the calls but I think they've sorted it now.

DaftyDuck

When I have had a problem where "compo" might be in order, but neither party is sure, I've asked for a donation to a favoured charity.

The other party has always responded positively, sometimes far in excess of what I'd expected. That includes £500 from an estate agent to a cat rescue centre, and well over £900 from a financial advisor to the MS Society.

Worth remembering, as both parties feel they have done something positive.

Les79

DaftyDuck wrote: »

When I have had a problem where "compo" might be in order, but neither party is sure, I've asked for a donation to a favoured charity.

The other party has always responded positively, sometimes far in excess of what I'd expected. That includes £500 from an estate agent to a cat rescue centre, and well over £900 from a financial advisor to the MS Society.

Worth remembering, as both parties feel they have done something positive.

I agree with this.

There is also nothing wrong with OP in asking for compensation paid to themselves, though it would be a bit low and it is probably the sort of move which could backfire and end up going viral on FB/twitter.

But if you don't ask, you don't get!

theonlywayisup

Les79 wrote: »

I agree with this.

There is also nothing wrong with OP in asking for compensation paid to themselves, though it would be a bit low and it is probably the sort of move which could backfire and end up going viral on FB/twitter.

But if you don't ask, you don't get!

Perhaps think of it as a goodwill gesture. Compensation isn't due.

Potbellypig

What does the company sell? Might be better off asking for vouchers?

martyp

Potbellypig wrote: »

What does the company sell? Might be better off asking for vouchers?

They're selling property

Les79

theonlywayisup wrote: »

Perhaps think of it as a goodwill gesture. Compensation isn't due.

It isn't due, but it is often better to go in for "compensation" rather than a "goodwill gesture" because it sets a certain level of expectation.

For example:

If you ask for "compensation" they may disagree but offer a "goodwill gesture"

If you ask for a "goodwill gesture" they may disagree and offer you nothing.

theonlywayisup

Les79 wrote: »

It isn't due, but it is often better to go in for "compensation" rather than a "goodwill gesture" because it sets a certain level of expectation.

For example:

If you ask for "compensation" they may disagree but offer a "goodwill gesture"

If you ask for a "goodwill gesture" they may disagree and offer you nothing.

Interesting. What do you base that on?

Perhaps if you explain what a PITA it's been they may offer a gesture of goodwill.......