In a significant crackdown on illegal marketing practices, a Preston-based double-glazing company, Crown Glazing Ltd, has been hit with a hefty £130,000 fine for bombarding the public with unsolicited and unlawful marketing calls. Based at Preston Docks, the firm is accused of cold calling households and businesses across the UK, misleadingly claiming to represent the UK Government and energy companies such as National Grid.
Breaking the Law Through Deceptive Practices
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which oversees data protection and privacy regulations in the UK, conducted an investigation revealing that Crown Glazing Ltd made over 500,000 unsolicited marketing calls. Shockingly, many of these calls targeted individuals and businesses registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)—the UK’s official ‘do not call’ list for mobile and landline numbers. The TPS is designed to protect the public from unwanted marketing calls, and it is illegal for companies to contact anyone on this list unless explicit consent has been given.
To make matters worse, Crown Glazing Ltd falsely claimed to be working with the UK Government and energy suppliers to promote energy-saving initiatives. This led to numerous complaints, with many recipients accusing the company of using deceptive tactics to sell double-glazing and energy tests under the guise of government-backed programs. Such behavior not only violated legal guidelines but also eroded public trust.
ICO’s Response and Enforcement
Of the half-a-million calls made, 37 complaints were officially lodged with the ICO. The complaints reflected concerns over misleading claims, and the stress caused by being persistently contacted despite being on the TPS or Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) list. Following these complaints, the ICO issued an enforcement notice requiring Crown Glazing Ltd to cease all direct marketing activities targeting TPS and CTPS-registered individuals or those who had previously objected to such calls.
Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, condemned the company’s actions:
“Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable after simply answering the phone. People and businesses register with the TPS and CTPS for a clear reason: to stop unwanted marketing calls and protect their privacy. These companies have not only broken the law by failing to check the ‘do not call’ register, but also caused distress and potential financial damage to businesses on the receiving end of their deceptive sales tactics.”
The Legal Repercussions
The £130,000 fine imposed on Crown Glazing Ltd is a stark reminder of the consequences of flouting direct marketing regulations in the UK. The law is clear: companies must ensure they do not contact anyone who has signed up with the TPS or CTPS unless they have received explicit consent to do so. Failure to comply with these regulations not only breaches privacy rights but also risks significant financial penalties and reputational damage.
The ICO’s decision serves as a warning to other companies that rely on telemarketing practices. Consumer privacy is paramount, and businesses must respect the clear boundaries set by the law. Misleading claims, particularly those falsely invoking government support, only deepen the mistrust between companies and the public, further driving regulatory action.