Thread: Phone call from a debt collector

Had a phone call today from an upset debt collector. Didnt like the way he acted on the phone , failing to do data protection for a start and he ended the phone call with we will send a doorstep collector.

Did 1471 , got the number and rang it back in the afternoon when i hoped they wernt there. It identified the debt collector so i sent them an email basically saying dont ring me or it will be deemed harresment, saying it was an official complaint for breaching data protection, oft guidelines and thier own code of conduct. I did the revoking the implied common law of visiting me. I made known that im complaining to others as well about their action, oft and data protection people and the code of conduct regulators.

Hope i havnt jumped the gun but i was really worried that they might speak to my kids who answered phone or door and give them grief. In fact if they do the trick of keep hammering on the door it will upset my kids alone. I have an ex wife that gives me enough to be hard skinned.

I can only assume its a debt thats been passed to them from another debt collector that i told in no uncertain terms that they cant ring me and i didnt get any of their letters they claimed to have sent. (Not my aim in life to make their job easier)

Any advice if they do turn up at the door?

If theyb turn up at your home (very doubtful) you don't have to answer the door or speak to them. If you do just ask them to leave and nothing more. Do not enter into a conversation with them. If they won't leave tell them they are trespacing and call the police. Who were they?

You probably won't have anyone turn up. They are mostly self employed and don't make much of an effort. I am led to believe that they don't even get paid expenses, so if they don't live near to you, they won't waste petrol money.

If you have not had letters about this, then wait for them to write to you and then send the prove it letter that is in the library.

From the phone number it appeared to be JB debt recovery.

I seem to remember that they chased for a relatives debt and it was very short lived i.e about 2 letters, before it was passed onto another company.

Am i right in saying that without passing data protection requirements and ending the call with ill send a doorstep collector..means they have by asking for me by name and failed to do verification knowingly broken data protection rules? (as i didnt do dp verification i could have been anyone?)

Originally Posted by Zonker

Am i right in saying that without passing data protection requirements and ending the call with ill send a doorstep collector..means they have by asking for me by name and failed to do verification knowingly broken data protection rules? (as i didnt do dp verification i could have been anyone?)

They have to validate atleast 3 separate bits of info to identify you, before they can release any personal data.

So if they released any personal data, without do the data pro checks, then yes they have breached the DPA.

If you read the posts of many others who have complained to the ICO, unless the breach is serious or happening all the time, they don't appear that interested.

Just make a note of this and make a complaint to the compliance manager of the debt company, if the debt company writes to you.

Thank you , i spoke to someone at the ico, seems prinicpal 7 is appropriate i believe. So waiting now is what i have to do