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Data Protection Breach?

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ScrubiousPip | 18:14 Mon 23rd Jun 2014 | Law
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Hi, I have an overdue British Gas account and today 2 men turned up at my property and told my partner about my debt and said that they would be fitting a key meter. I have since come home and there is a letter saying that I have agreed to have the meter fitted (which I haven't as I wasn't here). My partner didn't know anything about my debt and is not registered with British Gas as somebody that has authority to discuss my account. British Gas has offered me £30 as a gesture of goodwill because they divulged my infoatipn to my partner. Have the breached data protection?
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I think so - tell BG that you are reporting them to Ofgen for a breach of confidentiality.
Ofgem are a waste of space. Report them to the ICO.

http://ico.org.uk/what_we_cover/taking_action/dp_pecr
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Thank you for your answer - I have spoken to the CAB, Ofgem - Ofgem told me to contact BG for a 'Deadlock' letter saying that I've refused their £30. BG rang me tonight asking what it was that I wanted to resolve this, told them I was seeking legal advice, they also said that although what the guys did was wrong it's not technically a breach of data protection. They're going to call me back tomorrow after I've a chance to seek further advice!
If you're going to ICO, I'd tell BG that you can't discuss the matter with them further. Who is it who's ringing you from BG, what level of person?
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The 2 calls have been Managers (allegedly) - I spoke the ICO this afternoon and they said it was a breach but it was a very short phone call - I'll give them another ring in the morning. Although what BG have done is a breach I just don't know how far I should take it.
At this stage you need to decide what you want the outcome to be. Then ask BG for that when you speak to them tomorrow. I suggest you request removal of the payment meter and a zero balance on your account with them. Be prepared to meet them halfway as settlement.
It certainly is a breach of confidentiality
but you havent really suffered loss
so I would take the thirty knicker and run !

what BG should do is make a voluntary declaration to the ICO
and no one will do diddly squat.

Meters are quite an expensive way of paying for you Gas

so...IF they are installed I would try to get them taken out - free of charge of course.

But it probably means you have to settle your Gas bill

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