I’m not sure if the Data Protection Act (or its misuse) is of any interest to your readers but I would like to relate a fresh incidence of this Act being abused. A short while ago, I applied via the Internet for British Gas care on my boiler and central heating system.

Today, I received a call from British Gas to arrange an appointment for a tradesman to call and conduct a survey of my boiler, and so on.

Now comes the rub. “Can you confirm blah, blah, blah for the Data Protection Act?”

To which my reply was “as I do not know you, no”.

But “I can give you a number to ring to arrange an appointment” – no.

Furthermore, what has my identity, postcode, colour of eyes, dog’s name, what I had for breakfast, etc, etc got to do with arranging an appointment for a tradesman to call?

Unfortunately, the flunkie at the call centre was most insistent and immune to reason so, when I told him he was talking complete nonsense and I would not answer his Data Protection Act questions, he rang off.

Needless to say, British Gas will not be getting my business.

I am also a tradesman who arranges appointments to visit clients at their premises.

I can just imagine my client’s reaction if I asked them anything other than, ‘when would it be convenient for me to call?’!

This is one of a seemingly increasing number of calls that I receive from organisations that start the call with “can you confirm..?”

Needless to say, I always refuse on the grounds that you have called me so you should know who I am.

Has anyone else experienced this sort of problem or am I alone, unfortunate and paranoid?

Chris Tarbitten

Springfield Close

Rudloe

Corsham