IMPORTANT: Please make sure your posts do not contain any personally identifiable information (both your own and that of others). When uploading images, please take care that you have redacted all personal information including QR codes, number plates and reference numbers.
**** IMPORTANT: BEFORE YOU POST - Personal info in posts.
catfunt
Posts: 624 Forumite
It continues to amaze and worry me how much possibly identifying information posters asking for help re: private parking tickets put in their posts.
The private parking companies do read these forums, and some posters are leaving information in their posts which could identify their case, and this could lead to problems particularly if a case went to small claims.
For example:
Posters using their real name in their username or as part of it, e.g. if your name is Roger Mellie, having the username "rogermellie123". Use something that couldn't possibly identify you by your real name. for example "PPC Slayer" or something!
The exact date and time of the parking event. Date is fine, but is it a good idea to state you entered the car park at 10:13am and left at 11:16? Better to state that you entered the car park and left an hour and 3 minutes later. Alternatively, make up the times, but keep the intervals between them the same.
Any reference numbers (POPLA, Vehicle Reg No, PPC case numbers etc etc)
In the event of a court claim or a LBA - stating the exact amount being claimed. I remember earlier this year (I think) someone posting that they received a court claim and put the exact amount of something like £352.17 in the thread.
Next thing we know is that the PPC has PMed the OP saying words to the effect of "we have identified your case, we only have one case with this exact claim amount and this thread will be produced in court as evidence against you".
Be more vague about the amount, e.g. "Several hundred pounds" etc.
If posting scans of letters, be sure to redact any info as above - in addition, blank out any barcodes or QR codes (the square-shaped pattern codes) which could be sneakily used to ID cases. I've seen a lot of these left on scans and always wondered if it is wise to leave them there.
In summary:
Don't post your real name, including as your username. Avoid posting exact times of posting events, or exact amounts on invoices.
We don't need to know these in order to offer advice.
The private parking companies do read these forums, and some posters are leaving information in their posts which could identify their case, and this could lead to problems particularly if a case went to small claims.
For example:
Posters using their real name in their username or as part of it, e.g. if your name is Roger Mellie, having the username "rogermellie123". Use something that couldn't possibly identify you by your real name. for example "PPC Slayer" or something!
The exact date and time of the parking event. Date is fine, but is it a good idea to state you entered the car park at 10:13am and left at 11:16? Better to state that you entered the car park and left an hour and 3 minutes later. Alternatively, make up the times, but keep the intervals between them the same.
Any reference numbers (POPLA, Vehicle Reg No, PPC case numbers etc etc)
In the event of a court claim or a LBA - stating the exact amount being claimed. I remember earlier this year (I think) someone posting that they received a court claim and put the exact amount of something like £352.17 in the thread.
Next thing we know is that the PPC has PMed the OP saying words to the effect of "we have identified your case, we only have one case with this exact claim amount and this thread will be produced in court as evidence against you".
Be more vague about the amount, e.g. "Several hundred pounds" etc.
If posting scans of letters, be sure to redact any info as above - in addition, blank out any barcodes or QR codes (the square-shaped pattern codes) which could be sneakily used to ID cases. I've seen a lot of these left on scans and always wondered if it is wise to leave them there.
In summary:
Don't post your real name, including as your username. Avoid posting exact times of posting events, or exact amounts on invoices.
We don't need to know these in order to offer advice.
2
Comments
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In addition, don't use web hosting sites with your real name as the user name, or where other pictures with personal data can be viewed. I have seen someone on here post pics on photobucket where personal information could be viewed in another album under the same username.I married my cousin. I had to...I don't have a sister.
All my screwdrivers are cordless."You're Safety Is My Primary Concern Dear" - Laks2 -
Also, don't identify the driver.
Don't use "I entered the car park", "I didn't see the signs" etc
Instead use "The driver entered the car park", "The driverdidn't see the signs" etcJe suis Charlie3 -
Aaron_Aadvark wrote: »Also, don't identify the driver.
Don't use "I entered the car park", "I didn't see the signs" etc
Instead use "The driver entered the car park", "The driverdidn't see the signs" etc
Indeed.
That is covered in the Newbies thread also.2 -
bump bump bump0
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bump bump bump0
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and again.................0
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Wouldn't it be a good idea to make this a sticky thread?0
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I agree, but it is not in my gift to do so.0
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MSE in general is reluctant to have any stickies. It took a lot of persuading to have the NEWBIES FAQ sticky pinned.Please note, we are not a legal advice forum. I personally don't get involved in critiquing court case Defences/Witness Statements, so unable to help on that front. Please don't ask. .
I provide only my personal opinion, it is not a legal opinion, it is simply a personal one. I am not a lawyer.
Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.Private Parking Firms - Killing the High Street3 -
MSE will not allow any more stickies, we are lucky to have more than one, apparently!PRIVATE 'PCN'? DON'T PAY BUT DON'T IGNORE IT (except N.Ireland).
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Forum Home»Motoring»Parking Tickets Fines & Parking - read the NEWBIES THREAD3
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