Business threatened to name and shame me on social media
Discussion
i I ordered a gift for father's day (less than £30 all in) with next day delivery, a week before father's day, it didn't turn up the next day or by father's day. I contacted the business through their website asking where it was and they didn't get back to me. I then emailed them again asking where my order was, again they didn't get back to me. Just over two weeks after I placed the order and with the gift still not delivered, I went to paypal and raised a case for non delivery, paypal found in my favour and issued me with a refund. I thought this was the end of the matter and the contract we had.
Shortly after I had received my refund the gift turned up in the post (I checked the parcel tracking and it was sent after the refund). I then got a nasty email from the business asking me to cancel the paypal case as they had now delivered the gift. I tried to do this but couldn't manage it, I think this is because the case was closed.
Before I had the chance to email them back telling them this, they contacted me again saying that had found my picture on social media and were going to "name and shame me" on social media and other sites they had a connection to online unless I returned the gift or paid them. I've told them to collect the item as I had to buy something else anyway.
What I'm angry about is the threat to share my details, this has to be a breach of some sort of law? (GDPR?) Should I report it and if so to whom?
TL/DR company fail to delivery item, I receive refund through paypal because of this, company delivery item despite refund and then threaten to post my details on social media to name and shame me.
Shortly after I had received my refund the gift turned up in the post (I checked the parcel tracking and it was sent after the refund). I then got a nasty email from the business asking me to cancel the paypal case as they had now delivered the gift. I tried to do this but couldn't manage it, I think this is because the case was closed.
Before I had the chance to email them back telling them this, they contacted me again saying that had found my picture on social media and were going to "name and shame me" on social media and other sites they had a connection to online unless I returned the gift or paid them. I've told them to collect the item as I had to buy something else anyway.
What I'm angry about is the threat to share my details, this has to be a breach of some sort of law? (GDPR?) Should I report it and if so to whom?
TL/DR company fail to delivery item, I receive refund through paypal because of this, company delivery item despite refund and then threaten to post my details on social media to name and shame me.
Edited by CloudyNight on Thursday 6th July 19:43
Report the threat to the information commissioner. If they've done this to you there's a decent chance they'll have done it to someone else and they may already have a file on the company. And tell the company that you're doing it.
The potential fines ought to be tasty enough to put them off.
The potential fines ought to be tasty enough to put them off.
CloudyNight said:
i I ordered a gift for father's day (less than £30 all in) with next day delivery, a week before father's day, it didn't turn up the next day or by father's day. I contacted the business through their website asking where it was and they didn't get back to me. I then emailed them again asking where my order was, again they didn't get back to me. Just over two weeks after I placed the order and with the gift still not delivered, I went to paypal and raised a case for non delivery, paypal found in my favour and issued me with a refund. I thought this was the end of the matter and the contract we had.
Shortly after I had received my refund the gift turned up in the post (I checked the parcel tracking and it was sent after the refund). I then got a nasty email from the business asking me to cancel the paypal case as they had now delivered the gift. I tried to do this but couldn't manage it, I think this is because the case was closed.
Before I had the chance to email them back telling them this, they contacted me again saying that had found my picture on social media and were going to "name and shame me" on social media and other sites they had a connection to online unless I returned the gift or paid them. I've told them to collect the item as I had to buy something else anyway.
What I'm angry about is the threat to share my details, this has to be a breach of some sort of law? (GDPR?) Should I report it and if so to whom?
TL/DR company fail to delivery item, I receive refund through paypal because of this, company delivery item despite refund and then threaten to post my details on social media to name and shame me.
Fight fire with fire!Shortly after I had received my refund the gift turned up in the post (I checked the parcel tracking and it was sent after the refund). I then got a nasty email from the business asking me to cancel the paypal case as they had now delivered the gift. I tried to do this but couldn't manage it, I think this is because the case was closed.
Before I had the chance to email them back telling them this, they contacted me again saying that had found my picture on social media and were going to "name and shame me" on social media and other sites they had a connection to online unless I returned the gift or paid them. I've told them to collect the item as I had to buy something else anyway.
What I'm angry about is the threat to share my details, this has to be a breach of some sort of law? (GDPR?) Should I report it and if so to whom?
TL/DR company fail to delivery item, I receive refund through paypal because of this, company delivery item despite refund and then threaten to post my details on social media to name and shame me.
Edited by CloudyNight on Thursday 6th July 19:43
Screenshot the threat, post it to social media.
That sort of behaviour by the business is not on.
They should know that if they don't ship orders promptly, they will have to suck up the consequences.
Childish behaviour like that needs calling out, though I don't know if the information commissioner is the right recourse give. They didn't actually release any data?
They should know that if they don't ship orders promptly, they will have to suck up the consequences.
Childish behaviour like that needs calling out, though I don't know if the information commissioner is the right recourse give. They didn't actually release any data?
They haven’t released anything yet and I’m assuming they won’t as I’ve told them they can collect the item as I have no need for it as it was delivered so late. I just want to report them to the relevant body for making such terrible threats. The email also accused me for trying to ‘steal’ from them.
Ian Geary said:
That sort of behaviour by the business is not on.
They should know that if they don't ship orders promptly, they will have to suck up the consequences.
Childish behaviour like that needs calling out, though I don't know if the information commissioner is the right recourse give. They didn't actually release any data?
In my experience, the ICO prefer prevention over cure. It'll just be an intel file unless they've done it before, but it'll put the company on the radar either way and might make them think twice in this case.They should know that if they don't ship orders promptly, they will have to suck up the consequences.
Childish behaviour like that needs calling out, though I don't know if the information commissioner is the right recourse give. They didn't actually release any data?
soad said:
Either post it back (tracked), or pay them? Don’t worry about any childish “threats”, they simply don’t want to lose out.
Any date stamps on the package?
You suggested he gives in to the threat (why?), but then you say don’t worry about them - stating the obvious there a bit aren’t you? After all, the purpose of a threat is typically to bend you to someone else’s will….Any date stamps on the package?
Pretty sure that would constitute a misuse of information. ICO may want to know. I'd also want them to explain why they have more information than necessary (they don't need your Facebook profile on file to sell you a voucher etc).
For businesses the ICO fines can be utterly ruinous so that should temper their enthusiasm.
I'd just send the voucher back. It's no use for what you bought it for so they've effectively sent you a dud.
For businesses the ICO fines can be utterly ruinous so that should temper their enthusiasm.
I'd just send the voucher back. It's no use for what you bought it for so they've effectively sent you a dud.
drmike37 said:
Pretty sure that would constitute a misuse of information. ICO may want to know. I'd also want them to explain why they have more information than necessary (they don't need your Facebook profile on file to sell you a voucher etc).
For businesses the ICO fines can be utterly ruinous so that should temper their enthusiasm.
I'd just send the voucher back. It's no use for what you bought it for so they've effectively sent you a dud.
The voucher they sent me was just a code to get £20 off if I spent over £30 with them, something I don't plan on ever doing.For businesses the ICO fines can be utterly ruinous so that should temper their enthusiasm.
I'd just send the voucher back. It's no use for what you bought it for so they've effectively sent you a dud.
In my occupation we were always told to have our social media security locked down on private. Anything that’s open access to the public is a risk. And this is a good example of how unsecured social media can be used to blackmail.
However I doubt any of my friends and family would even look at the sites that shop use.
However I doubt any of my friends and family would even look at the sites that shop use.
Mr Miata said:
In my occupation we were always told to have our social media security locked down on private. Anything that’s open access to the public is a risk. And this is a good example of how unsecured social media can be used to blackmail.
However I doubt any of my friends and family would even look at the sites that shop use.
Mine is but they were still able to grab the profile picture from it.However I doubt any of my friends and family would even look at the sites that shop use.
I'd call them out and tell them if they chose to do that, you will reply with 1) the threat they made, 2) the proof that the goods were sent out after the refund was issued, 3) details of the case raised now with the ICO for threats and or actual breach of GDPR, 4) details of your legal rep who will fight a case for both defamation and loss of bargain for them having breached the original contract, ie not delivered a fathers day gift, by fathers day.
The tell them to come and pick up their piece of s
t gift in the next 7 days or you will charge them storage and or a £200 disposal fee.
Make sure you send a screenshot of the nobcheese who has sent you this threat, it will be on social, media !
The tell them to come and pick up their piece of s
t gift in the next 7 days or you will charge them storage and or a £200 disposal fee. Make sure you send a screenshot of the nobcheese who has sent you this threat, it will be on social, media !
CloudyNight said:
i I ordered a gift for father's day (less than £30 all in) with next day delivery, a week before father's day, it didn't turn up the next day or by father's day. I contacted the business through their website asking where it was and they didn't get back to me. I then emailed them again asking where my order was, again they didn't get back to me. Just over two weeks after I placed the order and with the gift still not delivered, I went to paypal and raised a case for non delivery, paypal found in my favour and issued me with a refund. I thought this was the end of the matter and the contract we had.
Shortly after I had received my refund the gift turned up in the post (I checked the parcel tracking and it was sent after the refund). I then got a nasty email from the business asking me to cancel the paypal case as they had now delivered the gift. I tried to do this but couldn't manage it, I think this is because the case was closed.
Before I had the chance to email them back telling them this, they contacted me again saying that had found my picture on social media and were going to "name and shame me" on social media and other sites they had a connection to online unless I returned the gift or paid them. I've told them to collect the item as I had to buy something else anyway.
What I'm angry about is the threat to share my details, this has to be a breach of some sort of law? (GDPR?) Should I report it and if so to whom?
TL/DR company fail to delivery item, I receive refund through paypal because of this, company delivery item despite refund and then threaten to post my details on social media to name and shame me.
I'd go via the ICO. It does, one the face of it, appear to be something they will be interested in. At the moment, there is a threat to breach the regs. There are also possible criminal possibilities. I doubt the police will feel it important enough to look into.Shortly after I had received my refund the gift turned up in the post (I checked the parcel tracking and it was sent after the refund). I then got a nasty email from the business asking me to cancel the paypal case as they had now delivered the gift. I tried to do this but couldn't manage it, I think this is because the case was closed.
Before I had the chance to email them back telling them this, they contacted me again saying that had found my picture on social media and were going to "name and shame me" on social media and other sites they had a connection to online unless I returned the gift or paid them. I've told them to collect the item as I had to buy something else anyway.
What I'm angry about is the threat to share my details, this has to be a breach of some sort of law? (GDPR?) Should I report it and if so to whom?
TL/DR company fail to delivery item, I receive refund through paypal because of this, company delivery item despite refund and then threaten to post my details on social media to name and shame me.
Edited by CloudyNight on Thursday 6th July 19:43
I'd also return the item. (Briefly) you have a right to return items bought online and not be charged. Overall, if you receive unsolicited items, there's no obligation to return them. There are exceptions and care needs to be exercised. From your post, there's no suggestion you cancelled the purchase. If so, they might be able to claim they are merely conforming, as closely as they can, with the contract they entered into with you. Otherwise, there could be an acceptance of the item if you do not return it. Recorded delivery is always reassuring in such matters.
I would use their own threat against them. If you have kept the correspondence with the company, particularly the threat, I'd post it on just about every review process I could think of. It's a bit petty, and it's so enjoyable. They started it so guilt assuaged. Again, though, be careful. State only what you can prove, preferably with documents. Use emotions: can you image how worrying this was? I expect everyone is such a situation would be upset to have to fork out their own money to comply with the law after such a threat as this - that sort of thing.
Nasty company. I'd like to know their name just to avoid them, but I'm not sure PH would appreciate you doing, photograph excepted, what they threatened.
soad said:
Either post it back (tracked), or pay them? Don’t worry about any childish “threats”, they simply don’t want to lose out.
Any date stamps on the package?
What a baffling reply. Business are 100% in the wrong here in every way shape and form. Any date stamps on the package?
OP I’d be sending them a final stern reply with a list of their crappy service and telling them your welcome to pay for collection and collect the item from you and to also never email you again as you don’t want to be in communication with such a disgraceful company. Make a final note of saying all communication from their company is being saved
Quick update: I have informed them that they are welcome to collect the item, and I have taken pictures while packaging it up to ensure there is no claim of damage. Initially, I informed them that I would be available for collection on a specific day this week, as I would be working from home. However, they disregarded this information and scheduled the collection for a day when I wouldn't be available. I emailed and told them about the day being wrong, unfortunately they simply suggested leaving the item on the doorstep, which I declined due to concerns about potential theft or damage. I reiterated the day when I would be available and have heard nothing back. At this point, my plan is to allow them to pick up the item, confirm their satisfaction with it, and then report what they said to the ICO.
If they don't collect it this week, what should my next step be? Threaten them with 'storage costs'?
If they don't collect it this week, what should my next step be? Threaten them with 'storage costs'?
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