Debt Management in the News
Ofcom investigates Barclaycard over silent calls
24 June 2008
The telecom watchdog revealed yesterday that it is investigating Britain’s biggest credit card company for making silent calls to people’s homes.
Ofcom said of the “annoying” silent calls that it believed Barclaycard had “persistently misused an electronic communications network or services”.
The calls are generated by automated systems in call centres. The systems dial more numbers than the operators can deal with, and when there is no staff member available to take the call, the system abandons the call.
This leaves the customer answering a call faced with an eerie silence, something that can prove particularly distressing for older people. It has left some people with debt problems worried that debt recovery companies may be checking up on them.
David Hickson, an IT consultant, has welcomed the Ofcom announcement, and said “people in debt is a particular issue. People who are in debt need help. They dont need to be harassed and worried.”
Although Ofcom believe that some of these calls are being used for telephone marketing, market research and debt recovery, it is thought to be more likely to be linked to debt collection.
Barclays has until July 21 to give a response, before Ofcom decide what further action to take, and whether a fine is appropriate.
Ofcom have previously issued fines to Abbey, Carphone Warehouse and phone company Toucan for similar offences, totalling £97,500.
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