We received a parcel for my previous owner. I was thinking what to do, then my wife received an SMS from the previous owner saying that the agent had provided him with our numbers. He asked us if we can post the parcel back to him or to arrange pickup.
I am fine with that, but I was surprised that the agent would disclose our number without our permissions. Is this legal, or ethical for him to do that? Do you think I need to report this to the agent's company?
Thanks for the advice in advance.
But the previous owner doesn't even know our names. We don't have a landline, and the agent provided him with both of our mobile numbers.
Yeah. Don't see an issue either. They could of arrived at your doorstep too if they wanted. Would that also be an issue?
Like I mentioned, I was trying to find a way to give the parcel back to them. I am fine for them to contact me or drop by my place to pick up. I just wanted to know if it's alright for agents to disclose my number to them without consent.
They would have all your contact info on the contract.
If they were harassing you I would. If it's all in good faith and it's just to get something sorted I'd just leave it and if you really wanted to next time you talk to the agent you could say your surprised they were able to pass around your numbers. I don't think it's ethical because the agent is the middle man but personally I'd just let it go and end on good terms if things have been good so far.
Personal contact details given to any business are not to be disclosed without consent although little care is taken by most places.
The agent could have passed any message.. etc. Need to remind the agent of their obligations.
Unethical and I would report. It was probably done in good faith, but it should have been carried out in a way such that the agent would have contacted you and received your permission first.
I would just tell the agent you would prefer they don't pass on your number without your permission. Explain it is not really an issue in your case, but it might be if someone else was being harassed, etc. Unless this is really a problem for you I wouldn't make a fuss about it. It is always good to be onside with agents when are looking for rental accommodation. Not sure why the previous tenant contacted the agent anyway, I would just go around to the house and talk to you directly, or leave a note in the letter box.
Basic privacy principles provide that private information is only to be used for the purpose for which it was given
I think it highly unlikely that one of the purposes of you giving the agent your mobile numbers was so they could pass it on to random former owners.
Hence they have breached privacy laws.
Now, the next question is… what do you want to do about it?
You can make a complaint to the Privacy Commission but in a case like this, is it really worth it?
WOW you're really wanting to report them and cause all kinds of trouble over a mobile number?.
i'd really hate to meet you then.
Just ask your agent politely not to give out your number to anyone.
the phone number was on the contract of sale that both parties received.
Of course it is not legal for your agent to disclose your private details to anyone. The correct procedure would have been for your agent to contact you to discuss your views on how to proceed. If this agent is willing to hand out your private details to all & sundry, you will soon be inundated with junk calls & e - mails. I would not let this situation rest & would definately take it further - this is a breach of your privacy.
No, he shouldn't have given out your personal contact details without first obtaining your permission. Doubtful this was malicious - probably due to laziness. I would definitely inform the Agent's Work Place of this behaviour, and that I would prefer my private information be kept as such. It is possible the Agent isn't aware of their privacy obligations - and it's their employers responsibility to make sure they are.
Have you confirmed that your numbers were provided by the agent? As others have said, contact info is often on the contract or the solicitor(s) could have provided it. Pretty slack of the previous owner to not check the delivery address, I'd just leave it on the doorstep or some other safe place for them to pickup.
Yes, the previous owner mentioned in the SMS that the agent provided him with our numbers.
Yes, absolutely a privacy breach. Though no harm was intended they are not allowed to disclose any of your information without your permission with the exception of what your contract states.
It's not hard to find someone's phone number.I don't see an issue.