Should I make a complaint ?

Heliospherez · 16 Apr 2007 at 10:26

2 Years ago, I received a letter from the Dept of Finance (Statistics Dept) stating that I had been selected at random for a Drink/Drugs survey to see what drugs/drink I take or have taken :rolleyes:

. A rep would be calling at my house to ask over 50 questions, and it would all be anonymous and just used for the national reserch by our wonderful government. In all the survey would be approx 1hour long, and they would also ask my wife some questions.

So naturally, I phoned the number on the letter, chatted to the woman running the survey - basically said,

"Look love, I don't want to be in this survey, don't want anyone calling, you can't guarentee the data won't be used by other gov. departments (which she couldn't), so please delete all my records from your system - and do not bother me or my wife again."

She was quite arrogant on the phone, but agreed to delete my randomly selected address off her systems, and not call around.

Now 2 years later, I get the same letter again, stating its a 'follow up survey' and they want to see how my drink/drugs consumption has changed :rolleyes:

I contacted the office again, and stated my feelings again, and asked why my data hadn't been deleted from the last time (quoting the Data Protection act) - The woman then started to get all panicky, as she realised I had a point.

The thing is, do I have a case to complain in writing, as this is 2 calls I have had to make to this crowd to prevent them calling at my house, and they obviously need a more formal request to remove my data from this ridiculous survey. They are a registered Gov. department & I'm even shocked that people give them this sort of info - to be honest, I've more important things to be doing than phoning up these offices, telling reps I don't want them calling at my house annoying my happiness and then using the data to get me for something in the future.

meghatronic · 16 Apr 2007 at 10:36

Two calls..... two year difference.... I'd never complain. It was a simple admin error if you look at it that way - and that's what they'll argue. Two calls in two years and it upsets you? Or the blatant violation of the DPA does?

Samtheman1k · 16 Apr 2007 at 10:37

I would just forget it tbh. You could right a letter quoting the Data Protection Act if you really wanted to.

The Mad Rapper · 16 Apr 2007 at 10:38

If that's all you have to worry about then your life is good - forget it

jas72 · 16 Apr 2007 at 10:45

yup if you are serious about it you need to register a letter asking for deletion.

Forget it and enjoy the last rays of warm sunshine for a while.

V4NT0M · 16 Apr 2007 at 10:50

I work for a helpdesk, in the complaints department, here's my opinion;

Just chill, personally I dont see how it can bother you so much, so what if a guy comes to your house, just tell him you're not interested and/or to **** off if you're so inclined.

Secondly most likely a "complaint" will come to nothing, all it will achieve is a waste of your time, money and probably sanity.

I've more important things to be doing than phoning up these offices, telling reps I don't want them calling at my house annoying my happiness and then using the data to get me for something in the future.

No offence, but this is the kind of line I get every day taking complaints, you didnt have to ring them 2 years ago and you dont have to ring them now, unless you have a major problem with peolpe knocking on your door.

In my opinion its a lot easier, less stressful, less time consuming and (assuming the phone number is not free) less expensive to just let the guy show up at your house and tell him you're not interested. Again no offence but I dont get why you would feel the need to complain that you chose to call them.

I mean seriously how much bother is it just just tell someone you're not interested (thats even if you're at home when they call)...

Pez · 16 Apr 2007 at 10:56

Skyfall said:
I work for a helpdesk, in the complaints department, here's my opinion;

Just chill, personally I dont see how it can bother you so much, so what if a guy comes to your house, just tell him you're not interested and/or to **** off if you're so inclined.

Secondly most likely a "complaint" will come to nothing, all it will achieve is a waste of your time, money and probably sanity.

No offence, but this is the kind of line I get every day taking complaints, you didnt have to ring them 2 years ago and you dont have to ring them now, unless you have a major problem with peolpe knocking on your door.

In my opinion its a lot easier, less stressful, less time consuming and (assuming the phone number is not free) less expensive to just let the guy show up at your house and tell him you're not interested. Again no offence but I dont get why you would feel the need to complain that you chose to call them.

I mean seriously how much bother is it just just tell someone you're not interested (thats even if you're at home when they call)...

It seems that you dont like people complaining... may I suggest a new job?, given your title.

If he said no, delete my details, then he meant it. If someone cocked up and didnt do as he asked, then someone should answer for it. It is a blatant breech of the DPA, and should be looked into, especially given the nature of this particular survey.

Von Luck · 16 Apr 2007 at 11:03

Dept of Finance - aren't they Irish? Are you (UK)NI or Eire?

Heliospherez · 16 Apr 2007 at 11:04

Thats my point exactly.
And yes, they are in N.Ireland.

I specifically asked for my data to be removed from the survey, as I found its nature offensive and intrusive.

It wasn't removed, and they realise they have made a serious error in sending me this second letter - admitting my details still exist on their system (which I find even more annoying than the nature of their drink/drug survey)

In fact, I don't know how they have my adress and details (did I even give them persmission to access and use it - No! And what else can they sign me up for)

Adam · 16 Apr 2007 at 11:07

Depends how much spare time you have on your hands. If you think it warrants a complaint then go for it. Can't see it going anywhere, what do you hope to achieve?

V4NT0M · 16 Apr 2007 at 11:16

Pez said:
It seems that you dont like people complaining... may I suggest a new job?, given your title.

If he said no, delete my details, then he meant it. If someone cocked up and didnt do as he asked, then someone should answer for it. It is a blatant breech of the DPA, and should be looked into, especially given the nature of this particular survey.

All i'm saying is take the path of least resistance, and apparently I'm extremely apathetic.

I would suggest writing though, if you're that bothered about it, based on the reaction of the person on the phone and the lack of 'deletion' last time I severely doubt they've 'deleted' it this time. Most likely the people who answer phones dont have access to the system you need them to.