Breach of Data Protection by a Collection Agent?

[DonkeyB]

Look! We have another probable 'clerical error'! Think this activity by RW in getting extremely private data from an undisclosed source is very worrying and needs some action.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/debt-collection-industry/225489-horwich-farrelly-robinson-way.html

[Dibsthefrenchie]

Hi DonkeyB, I agree with you, it is worrying.

 

Clearly they are not acting within the data protection act, otherwise, they would state where they had obtained their information from.

 

I am still waiting for a written reply from Experian, and will decide on what action to take once I have that.

 

Thank you for highlighting the new cases, I feel that it is important for others to realise they are not only the ones, also we need to follow the same course of action for each new case. I am not prepared to let this go.

 

Dibs

[Ronnie1234]

I looked on Robinson Way website & they use a Talon system which apparently can track down near enough anyone!

They have rung me in work this week & at home - don't know how they found home number as the house phone is registered in my partners name!

[rev.ian]

The Talon System is very closely regulated in the USA and is only used to collect full name, social security number, address and DOB.

I wonder if it as closely watched by our ICO.

[Ronnie1234]

Wonder how it works

[ODC]

Wonder how it works

 

Must be very easy to use if a DCA Threat Monkey can use it:D

[Dibsthefrenchie]

I have been searching on the net for the Talon system, and so far have had no success in finding out anything about it.

Does anyone have a link I could follow? please.

If RW feel the need to give false information as to where they are obtaining ex-directory telephone numbers, then they are clearly doing something they shouldn't, and I want to know what it is!

Dibs

[Ronnie1234]

See link to RW website:

http://www.robinson-way.com/DebtCollection.aspx

 

Wonder if this is it http://www.talonsys.co.uk/default.html

[PGH7447]

Our advanced Talon© system is a bespoke in-house system that verifies - it'll be some in house spreadsheet where the new threat monkeys are chained to a desk and told to inout the data manually

[PGH7447]

I mean lets be honest about this

 

The key components of our collection processes are:

• Scoring & segmentation – applying the most effective collection strategy to individual accounts /li>
  
• Predictive dialling – via our state of the art Concerto ePro dialler, some cheap system you can buy on line using blend and inbound call routing to our 130 call centre staff, six days a week, including evenings - is this cold calling by any chance
  
• SMS text messaging – stimulating higher contact rates with customers - as above
  
• Broadcast messaging – automated answer machine messaging utilising the latest text to voice technology - we dial and hope someone picks up
  
• Bespoke lettering – proven and continually challenged lettering strategies for each debt profile - standard threat-o-matic lettes churned out by some print factory somewhere, the same one that all the other lowlife use
  
• Credit/debit card payments – payment authorisation is made and approved instantly - of course they are I mean you would not want to lose some easy money
  
• Legal lettering – contact is made pre-summons by our solicitors, Horwich Farrelly.
  
• Litigation – in house dedicated legal collection team
  
• Home collection – nationwide doorstep service via 1,500 field agents.
  

blah blah blah

[Dibsthefrenchie]

PGH that is an excellent interpretation of their sales blurb, however, they have managed to obtain my ex-directory home number, and my personal mobile number, and I want to know how.

It is obvious that they are not professional in their conduct, and they clearly missed the training session on the OFT guidelines on debt collection, but to send a letter stating false information and expect not to have it questioned is just arrogant, and has to be challenged.

Dibs

[PGH7447]

send em a sar demanding that they divulge the source of their information

[Ronnie1234]

but to send a letter stating false information and expect not to have it questioned is just arrogant, and has to be challenged.

Dibs

Have they sent you a letter requesting monies?

[rev.ian]

After me pushing Robinson Way to give me the Data Registration Number they had been using to process my data prier to their registration as Robinson Way Ltd this year. They finally give me the number Z5395514

From OFT REGISTER

Registration Number: Z5395514

Date Registered: 11 May 2001 Registration Expires: 10 May 2010

 

Data Controller: RWC 2009 LIMITED

Address:

C/O ERNST & YOUNG LLP

100 BARBIROLLI SQUARE

MANCHESTER

M2 3EY

Other Names:

EXPRESS DEBT COLLECTING SERVICES

HIGHLAND SOLUTIONS

CHASE SOLUTIONS

Not the address they have been using in all correspondences and that’s the first time I have ever seen the name RWC 2009 LLIMITED

[Dibsthefrenchie]

Hi Ronnie, yes, several, the debt is disputed. They even asked for payment at the end of their letter, which was in reply to my complaint.

 

Rev.Ian, I am waiting for written confirmation from Experian, which apparently will refute RW's claims. I then intend complaining to all and sundry about their right to process any personal data.

I believe that we have a right to know how and where they obtain our personal information from, and they should have no hesitation in supplying that information, as long as they are not breaking any rules, and as a respectable debt collection agency, why would they? Is that a pig flying past the window, again!

 

Dibs

[Ronnie1234]

Robinson Way appear to have my old address on file but my work & current home telephone number.

[Ronnie1234]

Robinson Way appear to have my old address on file but my work & current home telephone number.

My mum rang me earlier to say there is a Royal Mail calling card at her house for me to collect a recorded delivery item from post office. I wonder if this is them sending a recorded delivery letter?

[rev.ian]

I have been dealing with Robinson Way for a couple of years now and must say they are not a recorded delivery company normally second class like themselves.

[Ronnie1234]

Well it did shock me that it maybe them. Just can't think who else could be sending a recorded delivery letter to my parents house. Suppose I'll have to get card & go to post office to find out!

[cerberusalert]

You're the second person on CAG today that has had this from them. They may be doing it because recorded delivery is still guaranteed delivery due to the postal strike.

[Ronnie1234]

You're the second person on CAG today that has had this from them. They may be doing it because recorded delivery is still guaranteed delivery due to the postal strike.

Was the other persons a recorded delivery from Robinson Way? Could you possibly post link to their thread?

 

Until I get to post office I won't know if it's from them or not. I can only get to the post office on a Saturday & may not be able to get there this Saturday.

 

We post recorded delivery letters in work & it's a minimum of £1.11 for a small letter, so this is expensive for them.

[Guest HeftyHippo]

an ex-directory number only means it is not available from directory enquiries. if you give it to anyone, it can still circulate in the normal way and be processed and passed on.

 

in terms of your employer, as someone earlier said, it is for them to investigate that no one has accessed your data illegally. It is not for you to find out who it is and point him out.

 

I would diplomatically ask your employer to confirm that no one has accessed your data inappropriately

 

SAR might reveal how the dca got your number, but its notlikely that the record of your number will bear the source of it unless it comes from teh client on their old records for you

 

they could have contacted your neighbour (they use the electoral register to identify your neighbour then search for their number) but you say they have your old address? contact your old neighbours and see if they have given the number out to anyone. on any old mobiles you have, does your voicemail give an alternative new number.

 

are your numbers listed anywhere?

[Ronnie1234]

I am wondering if it could be an old catalogue debt, I was paying off. (thought I had paid it...maybe not) in which case should I CCA it? Or offer a percentage pay out to settle?

[cerberusalert]

I am wondering if it could be an old catalogue debt, I was paying off. (thought I had paid it...maybe not) in which case should I CCA it? Or offer a percentage pay out to settle?

 

There's no way of telling until you get the letter. If it is you will need to send a CCA request to see if the alleged debt is enforceable before you make any repayment agreement.

 

I can't find the link you wanted, but it was the same situation as you. They had RW & then they received a card from the post Office saying they had a recorded delivery letter waiting.

[Ronnie1234]

Haven't picked up rec del letter yet, but 2 other letters at my mums from RW.

 

1: Catalogue Debt of £321.

 

Further to recent communication (what communication) regarding the debt, we write to advise you that we are unable to defer payment on your account, we are however prepared to accept nominal payments until your financial situation improves.

Please contact this office immediately upon receipt of this letter.

 

Letter no 2 : Further to your recent letter we have removed your number from our phone systems. Payments are over etc etc, please contact office by telephone or mail to arrange this or risk further action