King Eric

I have just had a very interesting conversation with Aol

Today someone managed to ring them, using one of my usernames that my family share among themselves and change my address and telephone number. I have just found out from the culprit (luckily it was a member of the family being a bit dopey) that he sailed through not being asked any form of security details, nor the "security question" of which I, and only I would ever know the number and had my home address disclosed to him!!!! All he was trying to do was order Aol for himself at his new house!

I got put through to some call centre in India who said they were very sorry and that they would look into it

I put the phone down and it suddenly rang all of the data protection alarm bells having had data protection rammed down my throat by my business over the last few years and the importance of personal information

Is that a breach of data protection? Because right now, I've the right ar$e with them!

StickyMicky

aol are gay, along with tiscali, most people know this

Raartoot

yeah its true, they bent the full 90 degrees mo - fo!!!

CooperS

Arseholes On Line

paul-s

i hear only bad things ever about aol. they must be pants, or gay.

or both

G-STAR

Yup, they're idiots. I had dealings with them once, never again.

SiDHEaD

Anyone IT related knows that It's the IT gospel. The sooner more consumers know it the better.

little-ginge

AFAIK, companies are not allowed to release information to a 3rd party without the consent of the policy/account holder.. Changes in address are an instruction to change your personal data.

Most companies, such as banks, insurance companies, go through a security process whereby they ask you three questions to determine if you are the account holder.

I'm not too sure on internet accounts - I'm assuming it may be a similar deal, because they are holding confidential information - under the Data Protection Act 1998, names, addresses and phone numbers are classified as 'ordinary personal data'...
Organisations should have appropriate safeguards in a place to ensure that, if a persons personal info is being discussed , they are sure they are speaking to either that person, or someone who has been given prior authority to do so on their behalf.

HTH??

The Rani

A lot of companies give out personal information without so much as a blink - you'd be surprised how easy it is. Besides, most of the security questions are c-rap. Anyone who knows you well enough will be able to answer the questions.