ICO raids business suspected of illegal cold calls

A change in the law earlier this year made cold calls about pensions illegal in certain circumstances.

David Clancy, ICO enforcement group manager, said, “The law now offers greater protection for people troubled by cold calls about their hard-earned pensions. This includes a ban on certain types of calls being made in relation to pensions.

“Today’s search and our investigation should serve as a warning to business owners that they must follow the law.”

The warrant, executed in the centre of the city, saw computer equipment and documents seized for analysis. The ICO’s investigation into the matter is ongoing.

The newer, stricter rules on who can make a live marketing call in relation to pension schemes say:

• calls can only be made by a trustee or manager of a pension scheme or a person or firm authorised by the FCA; and
• the person being called must have either specifically consented to being called by that company, or the caller’s relationship with the individual must meet a strict criteria.