April 24, 2017

Two search warrants have been executed at properties in the North West as part of an ongoing investigation into nuisance calls related to data theft from car body repair shops.

The ICO carried out the searches at homes in Macclesfield and Droylsden. They relate to an investigation into nuisance calls made to people to encourage them to make personal injury claims in relation to road traffic accidents. The same investigation saw a business and two homes raided in December 2016.

Mike Shaw, Enforcement Group Manager at the ICO, said: “Many people get unsolicited calls suggesting they’ve had been involved in an accident, and wonder how the caller had their details. Calls can leave them feeling uneasy and frustrated. We’re working hard to crack down on the illegal trade of personal details that fuel this part of the nuisance call industry. In December we searched three properties as part of an investigation focused on the North West. That investigation has now progressed, enabling us to search two homes today in order to gather more evidence.”

The investigation, which is ongoing, was prompted by complaints from car body repair centres and the National Body Repair Association. To read the ICO’s press release, click here.