While chatting to mum today on the phone (she's 85 with various medical issues. including deafness, wheelchair use, heart and lung problems, so self isolating for her own safety), she mentioned she was worried having received a letter from Barclaycard telling her the account hadn't been paid and it was overdue, so her account was being suspended.
I got the basic details from her and realised this was because I had got a utility provider changed last month to a cheaper option, paid using her credit card over the phone, and her bill had been mislaid so family did not flag it up as needing paid.
No issue with that, she had not paid it in time, and penalties were due.
I rang Barclaycard to pay the bill for her (inluding the penalties) and 95 minutes on hold to be told they could not deal with me because I was not the account holder. even though I just wanted to pay the sodding bill.
I had to drive over to get the bill details l, so I could open an account for her and pay it online.
Mum will not be out of isolation anytime soon.
It is unreasonable to expect a relaxation of these Data Protection laws, so family members can help out with this sort of thing?
My experience this week is that less and less companies are accepting cash, so more purchases on mum's behalf will have to made by CC.
She is can't go out to do her own shopping, and cannot visit the bank.
Me and the rest of my family are happy to help, and pay for stuff, but she is a fiercly independant old bugger, who insists on paying her own way, but does not understand internet banking "as gangster use it".
We spoke to Lloyds bank together over a year ago about allowing me access, but the only way was to have me added as a joint holder, when all I need is access to pay her bills.
Is it time for a rethink on Data protection?