Open Register (Electoral Role) NLC

[mwmackenzie]

Guys please be aware that the electroal role now features the "Open Register"... I'm not sure why anyone would want to be included in this as it is effectively your details for sale to who ever for what ever purpose! The identity thieves must be having a field day!!

You can opt out, in edinburgh it's an e-mail to enquiries@lothian-vjb.gov.uk or a call to 0131 344 2500

in fife it's on-line on the fifedirect.org.uk website

not sure how other councils work it......

This is an extract direct from the Lothian Valuation Joint Board website explaining what the open register is....

"The law requires that the open register must be made available for purchase by anyone for a statutory fee. Such recipients are then permitted to use the information for whatever purposes they choose."

I've taken my details off as I see no benefit to having my details available for sale to anyone that wants them...

Cheers

Mark

[Ferg]

It's been like that as long as I can remember. On the letter recently it confirmed my details were still hidden.

[woody]

I thought this is what credit companies use to check you actually are who you say you are, are responsible enough to register to vote (therefore a more responsible member of society) and not moving every 6 months all rolling up into your credit score?

[j2 lot]

It's been like that as long as I can remember. On the letter recently it confirmed my details were still hidden.

[mwmackenzie]

I only just noticed it on my most recent letter....

[Corranga]

I'd say it makes little difference anyway. We've probably all quite happily signed up to something or other which allows our data to be sold to any bidder anyway.

I don't know if these things are like that or not, but I'd imagine: Facebook, Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, other loyalty schemes and 'free' (or otherwise) websites.

[Lazydonkey]

I'd say it makes little difference anyway.

It makes a HUGE difference.

We've probably all quite happily signed up to something or other which allows our data to be sold to any bidder anyway.

I don't know if these things are like that or not, but I'd imagine: Facebook, Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, other loyalty schemes and 'free' (or otherwise) websites.

You may have signed up to such things and allowed your address to be punted to the highest bidder.

I have not.

It's surprisingly simple to make it happen, you just don't use services where they give your data away.

I get zero junk mail.

Of course if you're really really anal then you could put your middle name as the service you signed up for so then you can track if anyone is illegally selling your details. It's only happened to me a couple of times so far and each time my details have been removed very quickly.

If someone insists on having your phone number or address but doesn't need it then you can simply give them a false one.

Can't guess what i do for a living can you?

[campbell]

If you come off the open register, does it cause difficulties for credit checks?

[j2 lot]

I'd say it makes little difference anyway.

It makes a HUGE difference.

We dont get junk mail apart from the leaflet drop type that Royal Mail are contracted to do

If you come off the open register, does it cause difficulties for credit checks?

None whatsoever for us.

I also have telephone preference and that makes a difference too, but some companies use old lists so you get some calls. If you even mention TPS to any reputable company it stops them in their tracks and they invariably apolgise and say they will remove you from their lists.

[Lazydonkey]

If you come off the open register, does it cause difficulties for credit checks?

None whatsoever for us.

Nor me - i've never been on the open register.

[campbell]

We'll be leaving it shortly, then.

[Corranga]

I also have telephone preference and that makes a difference too, but some companies use old lists so you get some calls. If you even mention TPS to any reputable company it stops them in their tracks and they invariably apolgise and say they will remove you from their lists.

I'm on there too and still get calls, though I guess it's less reputable companies. When I mention the TPS, my experience is that the caller simply cuts me off, though my mum did have one very, very apologetic HSBC caller on the phone, they even sent her a letter to apologise, so the TPS lead to junk mail

[Corranga]

Of course if you're really really anal then you could put your middle name as the service you signed up for so then you can track if anyone is illegally selling your details. It's only happened to me a couple of times so far and each time my details have been removed very quickly.

I quite like this idea

Can't guess what i do for a living can you?

My job is very much related to this whole conversation too, though we hold data for research use, and don't sell it, or even let it out the door in an identifiable way unless permission is given.

Seems like there is no harm in leaving the open register then.. I'll give it a go - and continue ticking all those boxes when signing up online - not convinced they do anything either

[Corranga]

Ok, so I thought we could compile a list if anyone elsewhere opts out using Mark's first post, so I've added Dundee in there..

How to Opt Out list

In edinburgh it's an e-mail to enquiries@lothian-vjb.gov.uk or a call to 0131 344 2500

in fife it's on-line on the fifedirect.org.uk website

In Dundee, and email to ero@dundeecity.gov.uk

not sure how other councils work it......

[Lazydonkey]

I also have telephone preference and that makes a difference too, but some companies use old lists so you get some calls. If you even mention TPS to any reputable company it stops them in their tracks and they invariably apolgise and say they will remove you from their lists.

I'm on there too and still get calls,

TPS can help but it can only do so much.

When talking about landlines the companies HAVE to have got it from somewhere.......and that was almost certainly you.

There are some companies (like BT) who consider sales calls to existing customers to be customer service and thus don't screen for TPS but there's a simple way to stop that too..........you just leave them and go to a competitor.

My landline never ever rings with a sales call as i don't give it out.