The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued another hefty fine to a nuisance phone company for what it described as a “persistent and exploitative campaign”.
The company in question, It’s OK Ltd, made approximately 1.8 million calls in the 11 months from 1 July 2019 to 1 June 2020.
All victims were registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). A TPS is a registration that legitimate marketing companies use to identify people who have opted out of receiving marketing calls.
Worse, according to complaints submitted to the ICO, the company tried to mislead individuals into paying for services they didn’t need.
Regulators claimed there was evidence to suggest the company deliberately targeted the elderly.
“My washing machine service plan totaled £194.40 and was sold by mistake. I was informed that my current service plan had expired and needed to be renewed,” the ICO received. I read one complaint.
“I have renewed but have been told I am not entitled to an engineer’s visit for service. It’s OK Ltd received £194.40 from me as a pensioner but will not provide service. Scam I think there are many people who are [sic]”
In another case, the caller impersonated an insurance company, telling them they needed to renew their policy and asking them to verify their banking details. When the victim reportedly asked for his name, they hung up.
“This company’s actions represent a sustained and exploitative campaign that potentially targets the most vulnerable. Pressure tactics, misleading statements, and contact with individuals registered with TPS It’s a shameful act,” claimed Andy Curry, the ICO’s head of research.
“By taking this action, we are telling the public that we will continue to stand by you and protect you, and to other organizations operating outside the law to ensure that all such cases are dealt with to the fullest extent possible. Tell it to pursue to the scope.”
Indeed, in October last year, four companies were fined a total of £370,000 for engaging in ‘predatory’ marketing activities against individuals registered with TPS.
The ICO’s hardline approach to these companies contrasts with the ICO’s light touch to government departments that suffer from preventable data breaches.
