Marketing companies fined for tens of thousands ‘predatory marketing calls’
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has imposed fines on two companies for making tens of thousands unlawful marketing calls to people who were registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
The calls were made to people who specifically opted out of receiving marketing communications with the TPS. But instead, they received numerous unwanted calls from marketing companies.
The businesses not only violated their privacy by calling them, but in some cases also caused substantial distress. Some individuals got countless repeated calls, pressuring them to buy goods they didn’t need. Because of these calls, some victims became too afraid of answering the phone.
According to the ICO, the marketing companies specifically targeted older people and senior citizens with illnesses like dementia. All things considered, the privacy regulator from the United Kingdom decided to fine two companies for their ‘predatory marketing practices’.
WerepairUK Ltd. has been fined £ 80,000 for making 42,688 unsolicited calls. Service Box Group Limited received a fine of £ 40,000 for making 5,361 unwanted marketing calls.
WerepairUK Ltd. announced it would appeal the ICO’s decision.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the public, especially those who may not be in a position to defend themselves against such tactics,” Andy Curry, Head of Investigation at the ICO, said in a statement.
These fines bring the total penalties as part of this latest wave of action against predatory marketing to £ 1.57 million. “This reflects our determination to making sure those responsible for these harmful actions are held accountable,” Curry added.
To protect the people we love from these practices, the ICO recommends to regularly check banking accounts for unexplained financial transactions.
Registering at the TPS doesn’t guarantee they won’t be receiving any unwanted marketing calls in the future, but it is the best way to provide an easy and free way to opt out of receiving marketing communications.
Lastly, if someone gets repeatedly called by marketing companies despite being registered, report this to the ICO immediately.
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