My sister owes them £127 for an over payment and when she phoned them they said that they have looked at her bank account and as there is alot going out at the moment they will take the money at a later date. But HOW did they know about her finances? I thought she would be protected by the data protection act. Can anyone shed any light on this plz.
2007-03-18 05:11:34 · 5 answers · asked by ? 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
How DWP collect and use information
The Department for Work and Pensions collects information for the purposes of dealing with social security, child support, vaccine-damage issues, employment and training, private pensions policy and retirement planning. The information we collect about you depends on the reason for your business with us, but we may use the information for any of these purposes.
We may check information about you with other information we have. We may get information about you from other people and certain other organisations. We may give information to certain other organisations, as the law allows, to:
check the accuracy of information
prevent or detect crime
protect public funds in other ways, and
use in research or statistics.
These other organisations include other government departments, local authorities, and private-sector bodies such as banks and organisations that may lend you money. We will not give information about you to anyone outside our department unless the law allows us to.
The only thing that I can think - is your sister was already in the "System" from previous involvement eg JSA, housing benefit or such.
2007-03-18 05:22:29 · answer #1 · answered by Rod Mac 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that the department that deals with council tax can get access to any bank or building society accounts. Someone I know has just had to pay them back, because she made a false decleration. At the end of the day it does'nt pay to try and fiddle
2007-03-18 05:18:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the dept of work and pensions should only be able to access your sisters bank account with her permission.she should like anyone else be protected by data protection act. your sister needs to get advice from cab or a solicitor
2007-03-18 05:17:52 · answer #3 · answered by magiclady2007 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be careful.....they shouldnt be asking about any bank details over the phone, dont give your details to anyone over the phone unless you are sure of the source. NO ONE should be allowed to access your details without your permission xx
2007-03-18 05:20:50 · answer #4 · answered by lisa l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if they'v told they'v looked at it they obviously have !!
2007-03-18 05:17:25 · answer #5 · answered by nicemanvery 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋