I was disappointed to watch BBC Panorama on 2nd July 2012 where it was revealed that the Central Claims Group, (CCG) an accident management company based in Bury, Lancashire has been allegedly cold calling clients, according to the programme makers, advising customers to make claims for noise induced hearing loss against former employers. The program showed customers being duped into believing that CCG had legitimately obtained their data but in affect the call centre staff had simply called people at random out of the telephone book.
From my own experience I have had the same calls. When I have questioned the call centre staff as to how they accessed my data they advised me that they had obtained the details from a register. I queried this being a lawyer and having never worked in noise and was advised that it must be a mistake. When I asked to speak to a supervisor the phone was put down.
I personally went as far as reporting Central Claims Group to the Ministry of Justice on three separate occasions at least 2 years ago. I never received a response from the MOJ despite pointing out a blatant breach of the referral code. When one of my own clients was cold called I contacted CCG and asked why my client had been called. At first I was advised that my client must have been on a list of former miners. I advised my client was a 72 year old lady who had never worked in the mines. I was then told it must have been a mistake and was invited to join their panel and receive work at preferable rates. I declined their request and advised the client to complain to the MOJ. Sadly it would seem that not all solicitors did the same.
It is important that consumers consider the points listed below:
* Never respond to anyone phoning you out of the blue advising you to claim or buy something.
* Ask whoever is calling how they came by your details.
* If you want to claim make sure you research the companies before you contact them.
* In nearly every situation it is quicker and preferable to contact a solicitor directly rather than an accident management company.
If you have been cold called then you need to advise your solicitor who should recommend you make a formal complaint to the MOJ or the Information Ombudsman.
If you find that your details have been passed on to another company without your consent then this may be a breach of the Data Protection Act and may result in severe fines for the companies involved.
If you are concerned you have been cold called and want advice then contact us today on Freephone 0800 294 3065.
Steven Evans – Senior Partner, WE Solicitors LLP