LONDON—The U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined American Express Services Europe Limited £90,000 for sending more than four million marketing emails to customers who did not want to receive them.
From June 1, 2018, May 31, 2019, a confirmed total of 4,098,841 direct marketing messages were sent by American Express Services Europe Limited. These messages contained direct marketing material for which subscribers had not provided adequate consent, The Fintech Times reported.
The ICO began investigating when it received complaints from Amex customers who were getting marketing emails despite having opted out from them. The emails included details on the rewards of shopping online with Amex; getting the most out of using the card and encouraging customers to download the Amex app. Amex had rejected its customers’ complaints saying the emails were servicing emails and not marketing, The Fintech Times said.
‘Tired of Being Interrupted’
“Our investigation was initiated from just a handful of complaints from customers, tired of being interrupted with emails they did not want to receive,” said Andy Curry, ICO head of investigations. “I would encourage all companies to revisit their procedures and familiarize themselves with the differences between a service email and a marketing email, and ensure their email communications with customers are compliant with the law.”