ICO continues data leak search
Two search warrants have been executed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at properties in the north west as part of an ongoing investigation into nuisance calls related to data theft from bodyshops.
The searches in Macclesfield and Droylsden relate to an investigation into nuisance calls made to people to encourage them to make personal injury claims in relation to road traffic accidents. The same investigation saw a business and two homes raided in December.
Mike Shaw, enforcement group manager at the ICO, said, ‘We’re working hard to crack down on the illegal trade of personal details that fuel this part of the nuisance call industry. In December we searched three properties as part of an investigation focused on the north west. That investigation has now progressed, enabling us to search two homes today in order to gather more evidence.’
The investigation, which is ongoing, has been prompted by complaints from Bodyshops and the National Body Repair Association (NBRA).
Jason Moseley, NBRA director, said, ‘The NBRA is pleased to see that the ICO has executed further search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into nuisance calls related to data theft from car body repair shops.’
Moseley continued, ‘This is something we have been working closely with the ICO for 12 months now, and we fully support that further actions are being taken against this criminal activity.’
