TK MAX and RLP- bottle of Suntan lotion

[MARTIN3030]

But we should remember also that there are many Financial and debt operators in Notts-Its strange why there are so many there-maybe Nottingham have made it attractive to these companies ?

I dont think I would shout from the rooftops if I lived there.

[Zamzara]

Buzby, the subject of the data is not a party to those terms and conditions so they would be of no effect in any situation where they need the person's permission to disclose or process it.

 

Also allegations of crime are arguably sensitive personal data, so would then be subject to even more stringent restrictions.

[buzby]

Martin - We know that CRA's very life blood is information, so even if they were never in at the inception of a 'retail loss' database (thus creating a link) you can appreciate how - if a stand alone company - how this data would enhance their data's usefulness to their clients. Taking the local councils, they are compilers of the ER in their own exclusive areas, and are now trading data with Experian to help them track down and verify all sorts of imagined injustices (for the council). The quid pro quo still exists, they must provide the FULL (not edited) register and in return get access to the full database to chase debtors. Cosy.

 

Zamzara, I'm not sure which set of T&Cs you are referring to. The CRAa or RLPs? Either way, the water is muddies considerably, and the issue of giving permission doesn't apply to the ER - as CRAs were SPECIFICALLY given a waiver to access the full register, one of the biggest cop-outs ever.

[Bookworm]

But we should remember also that there are many Financial and debt operators in Notts-Its strange why there are so many there-maybe Nottingham have made it attractive to these companies ?

I dont think I would shout from the rooftops if I lived there.

Well, there is considerable history.

 

His conduct included ‘robbery, false arrest, unjust disseisin (wrongful dispossession) and persistent attacks on local landed interests, both secular and ecclesiastical.’

:grin:

[JonCris]

Buzby, the subject of the data is not a party to those terms and conditions so they would be of no effect in any situation where they need the person's permission to disclose or process it.

 

Also allegations of crime are arguably sensitive personal data, so would then be subject to even more stringent restrictions.

 

Allegations! That's precisely the point they may only be allegations yet they are recorded as if they are valid against an individual who may not only be entirely blameless but who is also unable to correct any false data because he is not aware of it's existance

 

Also as we have already seen it's not beyond the realms of possibility for some disgruntled employer to blacken the name of a former employer who may have stood up to them or who may have even blown the whistle on illegal behaviour at the firm............ no this firm & others like it have to be stopped

[buzby]

But the business is built on 'allegations'! Why are so many people fighting mobile phone 'defaults' which we all know are simply payment disputes but because of CRAs have been elevated to the realms of being on a par with a CCJ..? So, if a supplier has the power of giving you the equivalent of a CCJ without ever having to go to court (and the expense), the similarities of RLP and their pseudo 'offence' are too close to call. We're getting to the situation of a parallel (in)justice system run by private firms.

 

And it stinks.

[barracad]

Just in case nobody has spotted the connection - RLP appears to be another division of [deleted - no evidence to support]

 

I'm not sure what has led you to this conclusion, but can you please either qualify it or retract it. The postcode shown on RLP's website is a valid postcode - it's for PO Box 5413 in Nottingham. I can't see any link between the two companies whatsoever, they're based in completely different locations. Please clarify.

Edited March 19, 2009 by barracad

[bobbyh99]

Interesting threads these RLP ones!

Probably been seen before but:

 

From RLP's website

 

"We believe we have the largest database of dishonest people, outside of the Police Force"

 

ACPOS Operating Principles and guidelines on Retail Civil Recovery

 

"4.8 - The disclosure of personal data is to be provided solely for the purposes of taking civil action and not for any other purpose, for example, the construction of a database of offenders by any one retailer"

 

Has RLP got round this because they are not a retailer but acting on behalf of a retailer?

 

BobbyH

[Zamzara]

Zamzara, I'm not sure which set of T&Cs you are referring to. The CRAa or RLPs? Either way, the water is muddies considerably, and the issue of giving permission doesn't apply to the ER - as CRAs were SPECIFICALLY given a waiver to access the full register, one of the biggest cop-outs ever.

 

The link you posted. Am I correct that this is an agreement between Experian and a council to allow Experian to use council data? If so, this agreement does not affect the data subject's rights to take action against either party for data protection violations, as although the council is 'government' of a sort they cannot just override primary legislation.

[tank-fink]

so much potential 'mis-information' just a mouse click away from societys decision makers-the hirers and firers...the mortgage lenders...

and as time goes on its going to be harder to discover how much 'mis-information' about you exists....

 

The freedom of information act means anyone can access government info.

 

But ALL the info. held by private companies?

[buzby]

I'm not sure what has led you to this conclusion, but can you please either qualify it or retract it. The postcode shown on RLP's website is a valid postcode - it's for PO Box 5413 in Nottingham. I can't see any link between the two companies whatsoever, they're based in completely different locations. Please clarify.

 

How about an educated guess based on personal experience? As for retracting it - nope. There are enough similarities for a causual connection. I'm aware of the PO Box. I again state that a check of the Royal Mail database on 18/03 stated that the postcode is invalid.

 

As to your other points - already covered in subsequent postings.

 

Moving on, are you not of the opinion that an RLP database would be a suitable (and convenient) revenue stream for an existing business dealing in the processing of personal data?

[buzby]

Interesting threads these RLP ones!

Probably been seen before but:ACPOS Operating Principles and guidelines on Retail Civil Recovery

 

I was asked by my insurers to get the details of the criminal that broke into my property from the police. On asking I was refused, saying that the company would have to contact them directly and the information would then be disclosed.

 

So it looks as the my local force are aware of the ACPOS guidelines, but my Insurer isn't! I can see the Insurance Hunter database being able to keep the data they recieve on this, however this does appear different from RLPs non-police database which has no proven criminality (by an established court) so for this alone it should be worth challenging.

[barracad]

In that case then I can see no link or even potential link between the two companies and as you are not willing to retract or correct your original accusation it will be removed.

 

For info, a quick call to Royal Mail today confirms that the PO Box address and postcode are correct, they even gave me the address which the PO Box is linked to - again, I can see no connection between the two companies whatsoever.

[MARTIN3030]

I have contacted Lee Hancock to seek an answer to questions posed here.(Exec Consumer Compliance of Experian )

Mr.Hancock has confirmed that RLP and Experian are in no way connected.

He also points out that all Experian operations fall within the NG80 postcode.

I am happy to put the record straight.

Thank you Mr.Hancock for your speedy response.

[buzby]

Neither of you would make very good journalists.

 

NG80 is a 'manufactured' postcode and bears no geographical basis to its position within Nottingham. As for the postcode being invalid yesterday and somehow being valid today does show that even RM haven't got their act together either. But we're losing track of all this enforced suppression.

 

A company involved in the process of storing private data called 'Experian' is based in Nottingham. Another company, that hides its public address behind a PO Box (and wouldn't necessarily be the same as that of the aforementioned CRA) also finds itself as processor of personal data for questionable uses, and is based in the same town (of all the other towns in the UK etc etc).

 

Now - I have pointed out the similarities, and frankly, there is no magic in thinking that ANY CRA would happily process personal information on 'potential criminal activity'. Considering most consumers are forced into giving 'permission' (that cannot be opted out of) is a case in point.

 

Whiy are you so intent at trying to obscure any possible data link? At the moment Council's are not providing debtor information to Experian (for Council Tax arrears) but at the moment this is not something a standard retail 'member' has any discretion over. You access the database, you supply the information.

 

But hey - since you feel these firms need potection from any comment that could alert consumers to the potential of misuse, carry on.

[buzby]

I have contacted Lee Hancock to seek an answer to questions posed here.(Exec Consumer Compliance of Experian )

Mr.Hancock has confirmed that RLP and Experian are in no way connected.

He also points out that all Experian operations fall within the NG80 postcode.

I am happy to put the record straight.

Thank you Mr.Hancock for your speedy response.

 

 

That really wasn't the question to ask.

 

What SHOULD have been asked was this;

 

"Does Experian provide verification of consumer data to any firms that operate schemes providing retailers with a 'loss recovery' business model. Additionally, is this data exchanged?"

 

A far more useful and appropriate questtion, I'm sure you'll agree.

[MARTIN3030]

There were other questions asked Raymond,you have to remember,that RLP are licenced in quite a substantial list of categories,as are indeed Experian.

I think we have had answers to the main questions that were posed,and that there is no real point nor benefit to pursue this particular association (or alleged association).

As far as I am concerned LJH has given a satifactory response.

 

In contrast to your comments about firms needing protection from comments aired on CAG,I think this is a little unfounded.

CAG actively encourages and indeed embraces discussion and comment where it can be seen to be in the consumers interest and protection,however in this instance, it has shown to be of no relevance at all.

So maybe get back to the issues and facts that ARE known to be true,and worthy of investigation here.

[MARTIN3030]

"Neither of you would make very good journalists."

 

 

I have no wish to be a Journalist Raymond,and cant recall advocating this.

I just wish that sometimes you would be a little more ready to accept facts when they are presented.

[barracad]

A company involved in the process of storing private data called 'Experian' is based in Nottingham. Another company, that hides its public address behind a PO Box (and wouldn't necessarily be the same as that of the aforementioned CRA) also finds itself as processor of personal data for questionable uses, and is based in the same town (of all the other towns in the UK etc etc).

 

Well spotted. You're definitely on to something there. In fact, near where I live there are three different brands of supermarkets all in fairly close proximity. Clearly as they are in the same city, they must all be part of the same company. I'll get on to the press straightaway.

 

 

For the avoidance of any doubt, I'll reiterate what I said earlier - there is no identifiable link between the two companies (or at least none that have been posted here). In the absence of any such evidence, CAG disassociates itself from any such comments that they are linked.

[funkyparott]

I'm getting rather disturbed to hear about stories where people are forced into rooms for interviews and pressured into signing a form.

 

The law has a term for 'taking a persons liberty so they may answer for an alleged or suspected offence'. It is called 'arrest'.

 

I would further add there is a stated case that implies the words 'you are under arrest' do not have to be spoken for an arrest to have taken place. I will have to try and dig this out.

 

 

The codes of practice (PACE) clearly and precisely lay out the procedure that should be followed.

 

 

I wasn't aware that private companies had been appointed by the Crown to investigate crime?

 

This is so wrong.

 

If this really is going on frequently, we need to find a way to stand up to it.

[MARTIN3030]

Which is what many of those here are working on Funkyparrot.

[funkyparott]

Glad to hear it

 

If I can be of any assistance I would be please to help.

 

I have experience of PACE and criminal law from a previous occupation.

[JonCris]

Martin sadly if we can't get anyone to come forward willing to appear in the media would anyone be prepared to come forward so their story can be examined by the ICO & this way their identities would remain confidential & only know to a few such as You & I.......... & of course the ICO

 

It's no good individuals taking these people on we need to enlist the help of the authorities........... & if that's not successful Parliament

[MARTIN3030]

Agree JC.So far only one user has come forward following your appeals which although is disappointing,its nevertheless one of their choice and I respect that.

 

We need to identify some form of strat to go down,and I think in the first instance the ICO is a good one to begin with.I will have to liase with upstairs here since there are Data protection issues that even we have to be seen to be upholding,as I am sure you will understand.

On another note,I have had an interesting conversation regarding another avenue which looks extremely positive and will potentially get our message to the front line.

[JonCris]

Great Martin PM me when possible......... thanks:D