Context
Two separate companies which sent nuisance text messages during the Covid-19 pandemic have been fined a total of £330,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Messages from one of the firms prompted a record 10,000 complaints.
Key points to note
Leads Works Ltd
The ICO has fined West Sussex-based Leads Works Ltd £250,000 for sending more than 2.6 million nuisance text messages to customers without their valid consent.
The messages, sent between 16 May and 26 June 2020, resulted in over 10,000 complaints.
Valca Vehicle Ltd
The ICO has fined this company £80,000 for sending nuisance marketing messages during the pandemic. Valca Vehicle Ltd specialises in lead generation for financial products.
Following complaints from the public to the ICO, the company was found to have sent more than 95,000 text messages from June to July 2020 without the recipients’ permission. This is against the law. The messages referenced the pandemic and were designed to appeal to individuals whose finances have been adversely affected. This, in the Commissioner’s view, was a clear attempt to capitalise on, and profiteer from, the health crisis.
Next actions
None – for information.