Vanquis

Just posting this as a bit of a warning, and to build up some possible history regarding Vanquis.

I have solid evidence of Vanquis claiming that Argos have passed on details of people who have been declined an Argos Card to them. These people are then credit checked by Vanquis, and either declined a card, or sent a card for which they have never applied.

Alongside this, they seem to be bombarding people with offers of a pre-approved credit card at the moment.

If anyone has experienced either of the above, or any other issues regarding Vanquis, please could they post them up.

[teaboy2]

Re: Vanquis

Thank god i don't shop at argos

[iaintw]

Re: Vanquis

i think that is legal breach of the data protection act i think

[bluebottle]

Re: Vanquis

Well done Labman for bringing this out into the open.

And, yes, Iaintw, I can confirm what Vanquis is doing constitutes offences under the Data Protection Act 1998. If Argos are involved, they're in the brown and smelly stuff, too.

Okay, anyone want to hazard a guess at how high the FPN amount will be when and if the ICO catches up with Vanquis and, possibly, Argos, too?

[CleverClogs]

Re: Vanquis

what Vanquis is doing constitutes offences under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Never mind Vanquis obtaining data incorrectly and Argos improperly divulging data (might any financial inducement also contravene the Bribery Act?) the issue of unsolicited credit cards is an offence contrary to section 51 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (link) and, according to Schedule 1 (link) the person(s) responsible could be gaoled for up to two years.

However, as that Act is policed by the Office of Faffing and Twaddling, nothing is likely to be done about these offences.

[bluebottle]

Re: Vanquis

Going public that a government agency/department is doing sweet Fanny Adams about something and getting the media involved can embarrass the agency/department and politicians involved into doing something about it.

Don't forget that the powers-that-be are acutely aware of the power of the internet and how quickly something embarrassing can be circulated.

[TUTTSI]

Re: Vanquis

I just love this when these large firms who should know better shoot themselves in the foot.

The Data Protection Controller from Argos is responsible and SHOULD be sent to prison and ARGOS should be fined hundreds and thousands of pounds. Unless when they have completed the application form it states that Argos can share information and that the person applying for the Argos card have agreed to it.

Just posting this as a bit of a warning, and to build up some possible history regarding Vanquis.

I have solid evidence of Vanquis claiming that Argos have passed on details of people who have been declined an Argos Card to them. These people are then credit checked by Vanquis, and either declined a card, or sent a card for which they have never applied.

Alongside this, they seem to be bombarding people with offers of a pre-approved credit card at the moment.

If anyone has experienced either of the above, or any other issues regarding Vanquis, please could they post them up.

[CleverClogs]

Re: Vanquis

The Data Protection Controller from Argos is responsible and SHOULD be sent to prison

He/she won't be, though.

[bluebottle]

Re: Vanquis

'Fraid Clever Clogs is right. There are no custodial sentencing provisions within the Data Protection Act 1998, only the £500K FPN, which the ICO are not afraid to use and have already used. Unless ICO can find evidence of criminal conduct on the part of Argos and/or Vanquis, it is unlikely anyone employed by them will be going for a stay in one of H.M. Holiday Camps.

Argos are owned by Great Universal Stores Group, as far as I am aware, so they could well be in line for a mega fine, as GUS Group are, probably, the data controller for the purposes of the DPA. As for Vanquis, the level of fine depends on their ability to pay. If they're part of a large group, they, too, could be in for an eye-watering fine.

One provision the DPA provides that really rubs salt into the wound of a company hit with an FPN is the right of the ICO to apply to the courts for a forfeiture and/or a destruction order on ANY I.T. hardware and software ICO may have seized as part of an investigation.