DUBLIN, Ireland--A “staggering” 121 of this country's credit unions enlisted the services of rogue private investigation firms that have stolen reams of personal data belonging to members of the public, according to an investigation by the Independent.
“The unprecedented data protection scandal has now engulfed a series of major State agencies - including An Garda Siochana, the Department of Social Protection and the Health Service Executive,” the Independent reported. “Deeply sensitive personal data, including addresses and PPS numbers, were obtained by private investigators who used illegal techniques to dupe State officials. The private investigators, also known as tracing agents, then handed over the stolen data to credit unions in return for lucrative fees”
The case of credit unions using the investigators was first reported in August 2014 following an investigation by the Independent. At that time, it was believed approximately one-dozen credit unions had engaged in the practice. But further investigation has shown the practice was far more widespread.
“None of the 121 credit unions which used the services of the private investigators are believed to have seriously queried the methods used to obtain the personal information, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has said,” reported the Independent.
The government has since announced details of a stringent set of new rules involving the use of private investigators, including that credit unions will now be obliged to inform members by way of the public register that they use the services of private investigators to track down members in arrears. Credit unions must also find out from private investigators how they are sourcing the information relating to members that is passed on. Credit unions will also be obliged to inform the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner if they suspect information was obtained unlawfully.