Harrassing Calls From Halifax

[megan34]

About 6 months ago we got a new telephone number from virgin media and since then we have been plagued by phone calls from banks and other financial institutions and we explained evertime that we didnt know these people and this was outr new number. All the rest have stopped except HALIFAX. sometimes we are getting calls 3 times a day! then nothing for a week or two then it starts again. We have told them over and over that the person does not live at this address with this phone number .They apologise but say they cannot take the number off the database because its automated.They just rang yet again and my husband lost his temper and threatened them with court action for harrassment in our home and they again said sorry but there is nothing they can do - its an automated service that calls the number when a payment is missed. I telephoned virgin media but all they can offer is another number change - but they cant guarantee that any other number would be different and besides I just got used to this new number and have given it to all my friends and family. I really cant see why HALIFAX cant remove a number from their database. Any advise on what we can do about it?.

[megan34]

Any advice who I can contact??

[jaxads]

You could try using the telephone harassment letter and "tweak" it to suit your circumstances. It can be found in the templates section.

 

Best wishes.

[buzby]

The 'automated' excuse is always trotted out, as it has been known that defaulters are pretty plausible in giving excuses (like yours) to get them to stop calling.

 

What you do it next time you receive a call, you ask if there is any notes on the account that Ms X is not at this phone number anymore? Note their reply, and ask to speak with or have a callback from a supervisor as you need to discuss this matter urgently. If this isn't possible, explain that you have no intention of being harassed and ask for the name and address of anyone at Halifax that would be in a position to resolve this issue. State that if you do not receive this info, or the calls do not stop, you will contract OFCOM and escalate the matter.

 

Assuming you get the address details, WRITE by recorded delivery, giving 28 days for your number to be removed from their records - state the date - and advise a formal complaint will be raised should you receive further calls AFTER that date.

[Rob S]

There is also the option of complaining to the Information Commissioner regarding Halifax not having up to date information on their records for your telephone number and address.

[buzby]

Nope! That only works if you are the 'data subject'. Since they've only got your phone number, and you're not a customer of Halifax, the complaint would fail.

[harrythehawk]

Make a formal complaint to Halifax and send it for the personal attention of their CEO Andrew Hornby, I did this and my complaint was dealt with by his office.

[powelll]

Below link also useful

 

National Debtline England & Wales | Debt Advice | Factsheet 03 Harassment

[Movingon]

Halifax really should get their house in order. They have recently lost a harrassment case (I can't remember if it was civil or criminal) where they were constanty chasing someone for a debt they didn't owe. You'd think that they would learn their lesson...

[buzby]

Tom was that a Halifax case or a Bank of Scotland/Halifax one?

[Movingon]

Just going by what I half-heard on the news while driving; I thought it was Halifax...

[harrythehawk]

Check this out http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general-consumer-issues/92525-halifax-pays-damages-harassment.html

[megan34]

Thanks for all the advice guys - I telephoned the Halifax Customer Relations today (press one if it concerns your bank charges:) )was tempted to press one and ask where my SAR is!) anyway, I spoke to a nice lady who apologised and said she would search their database and take my number off from wherever she could see it and gave me a case ref.number incase I get anymore calls - so hopefully thats the end of the matter. we'll see!