Westcott Credit

[uncle ben]

My neighbour received a phone call from the above agency trying to trace persons residing at another neighbours address. The male caller asked if my neighbour knew if certain named persons lived there and seem to have lots of personal information that was fed to my neighbour. My first question is, surely this is a beach of confidentiality and possibly privacy to furnish another party with info even if by way of questions?

Secondly, the male didnt state who he was other than by first name and when questioned by the neighbour said he had personal business with these neighbours and left a phone number in case the neighbour wished to call back with info. My neighbour was concerned and came to me for advise but I am as puzzled as he was as to this persons approach. Is this type of approach legal?

[silverfox1961]

Depends what was said in the phone call. Normally they just say it is a personal matter but if they went into detail about why they wanted this person then that is naughty and should be reported

[harrassed senior]

Too late now, but a bit of advice to anyone calls such as this would, in my opinion be 'This is my telephone, and I do not wish to discuss anyone else's business, please do not call again'.

 

Not a very nice tactic, but one used frequently I am afraid to say.