Kirsty,
BT is only the distributor of a third-party's service (which you contracted
into when you accepted the reverse-charge call). My sunday newspaper might
be missing a section but I don't take it up with the paperboy/girl. I 'phone
the newsagent.
The policeman you spoke to is categorically wrong - the DPA does not prevent
him from accessing subscriber details in the course of investigating a crime
(this sort of thing is covered by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
2000) but the callers probably used a callbox in which case you can only pin
the call down to a time and place, not a particular subscriber (and then you
couldn't be sure who was using the 'phone at that moment!)
All BT is obliged to do is block that number from calling you in future. I
think that's pretty fair, myself - having worked for BT and understanding
the complexity of the issue. (Obviously my views are my own).
Jo Archer
Telecoms Research Engineer
Mob; 07769 900156
----- Original Message -----
From: Kirsty E Gray <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: [data-protection] British Telecom Premium Call Rate Scam
I know why Antoinette feels aggrieved though - BT use the 'not us, we're
only the middle man' excuse far too often.
I received 0800 REVERSE call on a Sunday evening, heard the electronic
voice announcing the call. Couldn't make out the name of the caller, but as
I'm ex-directory and careful about who has my number, assumed it was
someone I knew who needed to contact my urgently from a payphone and
accepted the call.
Two or more teenage boys screaming obscenities & making death threats. Hung
up, dialled 1471 to get the number and rang the Police.
Constable turned up half an hour later, gave me crime number and told me
that he couldn't investigate as the DPA prevents getting subscriber details
from BT. I asked him whether making death threats was a crime - he agreed
and stated that so is making obscene calls, but that BT investigated these
not the Police.
Checked the 'white pages' - load of guff about how BT & Police work
together to combat offensive calls and how BT work with subscribers to
block / prevent repetition. Rang the number given, recorded message as
service only available 10 - 5 from Mon to Fri, gave up!
Realised when the bill came in I'd been charged almost 3 quid to be abused
so wrote to BT to complain.
Their response - they get paid a very small handling fee by 0800 REVERSE
and the bulk of that charge on my bill is passed on, so I have to contact
0800 REVERSE direct for a refund. Too much effort / expense for £3 so gave
up again - already further out of pocket for paper & ink & stamp!
Kirsty E Gray
Access to Information Advisor
Commission for Social Care Inspection
Note: comments for discussion and debate only and do not necessarily
reflect the corporate position of CSCI nor constitute legal advice.
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