A Preston window business has been fined £130,000 for making over half a million unsolicited calls including some claiming to be working for the government.
The case was part of Operation Tinago, which was set up specifically by the Information Commissioner’s Office to examine the trend of complaints relating to energy saving and home improvements.
It found that Crown Glazing Ltd had made 503,445 calls to TPS numbers in 2021, mostly advertising double-glazing or offering free energy tests. But, said the ICO: “Some of the complaints also claimed that the firm misleadingly suggested they were representing the UK Government and working to improve energy savings.”
The company had told the Commissioner that, although it had purchased data from a list broker, but the information relating to the 37 complainants had been obtained by door-to-door canvassing where homeowners had consented to being called. However, the Commissioner found that the information given did not cross reference with the complainants’ details.
In addition to the fine, the ICO also issued an enforcement notice ordering the company to stop calling TPS registered numbers or subscribers who had previously objected to receiving such calls.
