Garage customer data stolen in major nuisance call conspiracy

Eight men convicted after extensive ICO investigation uncovers theft of a million people's personal data from UK garages

Garage customer data stolen in major nuisance call conspiracy
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Eight men have been convicted following an investigation into the theft of personal data from car repair garages across the UK, which developed into a significant nuisance call case for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The investigation began after a garage owner in County Durham reported that customers were blaming him for receiving unsolicited calls.

ICO officers subsequently analysed millions of documents and files, uncovering multiple crimes committed between 2014 and 2017. The eight men, from Greater Manchester and Cheshire, admitted or were found guilty of conspiracy to unlawfully obtain personal data. Some also admitted conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to data held on computer systems. Their sentencing will occur at a later date at Bolton Crown Court.

An ICO representative stated that the 10-week trial revealed the misuse of personal data for nuisance calls, aimed at persuading individuals to make personal injury claims. The men were found to have conspired to access and obtain personal data of approximately one million people from vehicle repair garages without consent. This data was then sold to claims management firms.

Andy Curry, ICO Head of Investigations, described the case as uncovering “a vast, murky criminal network where crash details were stolen from garages across England, Scotland and Wales and traded to fuel distressing predatory calls.” He noted that nuisance calls, while annoying, can cause “real upset and fear, especially to vulnerable people.”

The ICO confirmed an “ongoing second phase” of the investigation, anticipating further prosecutions of individuals within insurance and claims management companies involved in stealing personal data. The convicted men will also face a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in July.

Source: BBC News

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