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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Ex-colleague forwarded my private information to a client

28 replies

MousyMcMouse · 21/12/2022 12:20

All right, I am seething and wondering if I am being unreasonable. Deliberately vague about the details because I don't want anyone catching on it involves them.

I left my old job at the start of September. Just before leaving, I finished up a big project. I wasn't the project leader but in practice did all the work, while the nominal project leader sat back and focused on other things (and enjoyed a long summer holiday abroad). Yes, there is some resentment, but that is how it goes sometimes, and I learned a lot from the experience. Anyway, I made sure the admin was all up to date, and everything was filed correctly, and started at a new company in October. Due to staff shortages and management just basically ignoring the issue, there was no immediate replacement for me despite me giving six months' notice, but they have found someone now who can start in January.

Now a client apparently sent several emails over the past couple of months complaining about an element of the project. I never got these emails, because I no longer have access to my company email (obviously). Anyway, I got a call from the project leader on Monday and he asked if I could deal with this because it had been my project and I had caused the problem. I already thought that was a bit cheeky since I no longer work there, but okay. I pointed him in the right direction, and showed him the issue had already been dealt with and the client's complaint was unfounded (or at least, not due to a mistake on my part). I also suggested what he could write to the client, and gave him my private email so that they could reach me in case my future replacement had any queries he could not answer.

Anyway, turns out, instead of getting back to the client and dealing with the complaint, he forwarded my private email and phone number to the client, who has been stalking me ever since. AIBU that this was a huge breach of privacy and just a CF move all around?

OP posts:
Keyansier · 21/12/2022 12:26

YANBU but you should have hung up the phone straight away when your ex company phoned you and revealed what they wanted from you, not get actively involved. I would be furious though.

But also, email addresses aren't really that private. And it only takes seconds to create a new one (for free),

Gazelda · 21/12/2022 12:27

also suggested what he could write to the client, and gave him my private email so that they could reach me in case my future replacement had any queries he could not answer.

Is it possible that the PM misunderstood this part to mean that he could pass on your email address?

Regardless, he's even very unprofessional. And imagine any activity you do with the former client wouldn't be covered by the company's professional liability insurance.

I'd email PM's line manager to factually state what's happened and insist they rectify the situation with their client without further involvement from yourself.

Block and ignore the client.

strawberriesplease · 21/12/2022 12:32

Time to write a calm and professional email to both saying you have dealt with it above and beyond, no longer work for the company and now consider the matter closed.

The end.

Do not respond or engage or restart the conversation

Isyesterdaytomorrowtoday · 21/12/2022 12:33

Tricky one because you did give them permission to contact you privately which was stupid, as was your previous company allowing that

also I’d imagine your new employer wouldn’t be too impressed either.

reply saying you are no longer employed by XXX and point them to project lead then block

Isyesterdaytomorrowtoday · 21/12/2022 12:35

Sorry just reread and it seems you didn’t give permission for customer - I misunderstood

Phenolet · 21/12/2022 12:37

Obviously, your mistake was giving the ex colleague your private email and phone number but I'm sure you know that.

First thing I'd do is block the email address and number of the client. Then I would send an email to the ex colleague's manager or someone higher up in the company outlining what has happened (maybe cc in HR too regarding the breach of confidentiality). I'm sure they won't be pleased to hear that your colleague is passing off their work to an ex employee.

Don't respond to anything else. You don't work there, it's not your problem

HomeAGnome · 21/12/2022 12:38

I'd be furious . It makes your old boss look even more incompetent

Original poster
MousyMcMouse · 21/12/2022 12:41

Is it possible that the PM misunderstood this part to mean that he could pass on your email address?

I suppose it is possible, although I think I was quite clear and regardless - it just seems such an odd thing to do? I wouldn't dream of passing on an (ex-)colleague's private contact information to a client even if they said it was ok.

In my new job, I also run into issues or irregularities sometimes that did not happen on my watch. Then I first check all the files, try to follow my predecessor's thought process and decision making, and only if I really cannot figure it out, and it is imperative that I do, I might contact her to ask. But then it is still my responsibility to fix it and communicate with the client, not hers.

OP posts:
WonkyFeelings · 21/12/2022 12:41

Phenolet · 21/12/2022 12:37

Obviously, your mistake was giving the ex colleague your private email and phone number but I'm sure you know that.

First thing I'd do is block the email address and number of the client. Then I would send an email to the ex colleague's manager or someone higher up in the company outlining what has happened (maybe cc in HR too regarding the breach of confidentiality). I'm sure they won't be pleased to hear that your colleague is passing off their work to an ex employee.

Don't respond to anything else. You don't work there, it's not your problem

Definitely this. What CFery! That must breach a million GDPR rules.

ohioriver · 21/12/2022 12:48

I'd email with some form of words that you don't work for the company any longer and contact the project manager. Then block them.

Or tell them your day rate as a contractor is £xxxx 🤣

Original poster
MousyMcMouse · 21/12/2022 12:50

Obviously, your mistake was giving the ex colleague your private email and phone number but I'm sure you know that.

Yes, that was a mistake and I feel stupid because I might have seen it coming with him. I did work there for 10 years in various roles, and had some great times, so I do feel a certain loyalty towards the company.

My new job is in a different industry, so no conflicting interests with my current employer, fortunately.

OP posts:
EsmeSusanOgg · 21/12/2022 12:53

Totally a GDPR breach. Let your old bosses supervisors and HR know what they did. Block the old client details.

zingally · 21/12/2022 12:54

A polite, but firm message to old project leader AND his boss.

"Dear Whoever,
As you are no doubt aware, I left X company on X date.
I received a message from old project leader regarding a query/complaint from a client I had previously worked with, regarding some work I had assisted project leader with. In a desire to be helpful, I replied, detailing how I believed Clients query to be unfounded. But, aware that a replacement for my role was due to start shortly, I gave Project Leader my personal contact details to pass onto the new hire, should they have any queries regarding the handover and this client.
Since then I have been bombarded by messages from the client, to a point where I feel quite unsettled and am considering making a complaint of harassment.
I no longer work for X company, and no longer have any desire to have any role in easing a transition for your new hire, or having any contact with this client going forward. Also inform the client, in the strongest possible terms, to stop contacting me.

Yours, OP."

As for the client:

"Dear Client,
As of Date, I no longer work for X company. You were given my personal contact details in error, and in breach of GDPR regulations. Refer all future communications direct to X company. I consider all business between us to be concluded. Do not contact me again.
Yours, OP."

Original poster
MousyMcMouse · 21/12/2022 13:21

Thank you, everyone. This is helpful, and I've sent some emails.

OP posts:
BrummieNC · 21/12/2022 13:22

This happened a few years ago to a colleague.

They told the company it would cost them (it did) and the company deducted that from what they paid the ex-employer. Project manager became an ex project manager if I recall correctly.

Original poster
MousyMcMouse · 21/12/2022 15:11

Well, as some of you anticipated, he claimed I said to pass on my contact details to the client. We talked on the phone, so it's my word against his. I don't think he'll be bothering me in the future, though, so I'm just going to let it go and focus on the new job.

OP posts:
poefaced · 21/12/2022 15:29

I can't believe you engaged with this twat at all.

I think you are an extremely capable and diligent person who gets taken advantage of by male colleagues like these.

You should not have even responded at all.

LookItsMeAgain · 21/12/2022 15:33

MousyMcMouse · 21/12/2022 15:11

Well, as some of you anticipated, he claimed I said to pass on my contact details to the client. We talked on the phone, so it's my word against his. I don't think he'll be bothering me in the future, though, so I'm just going to let it go and focus on the new job.

Of course he did because he's clearly trying to cover his own ass after spectacularly dropping the ball on this.

If I were you, I would follow up with one final email only to your former employer, stating quite clearly that the personal email address was to be given only to the new hire who would be fulfilling the role you left as you would have been able to provide any form of contact details to the client if you had so wished prior to your departure, which you clearly didn't do, so what Gobshite Almighty (your former colleague) has stated is false and verging on defamatory as he is claiming you're lying.

Based on their conduct, you are no longer open to providing free support and advice to whomever they have selected to replace you but you will be available at a day rate of £X and any and all communications from the client to you are to cease with immediate effect or you will bill them for a minimum of 50% of the day rate per communication for the first 2 hours work and £Y per hour there after to answer any communications that you are sent.

I guarantee that they won't want to pay you so this should have the desired effect of stopping all communications and at the same time, putting Gobshite Almighty (the eejit that sent on your details to the client) in their place!

AngelontopoftheTree · 21/12/2022 15:41

Hindsight is a wonderful thing! Given how he acted when you worked there I think you can only assume he would behave similarly now & try to get you to do his job.
As you said, it's your word against his so I think you should email his hr dept and raise a breach of gdpr. Then it's his to disprove, not yours to prove. He sounds like a lazy, inept, dickhead 🙄

WhoKnows2346 · 21/12/2022 16:45

Are you in the same industry? I would consider poaching the client.

Hesma · 21/12/2022 17:32

Major GDPR fail. I’d be reporting that

ArcaneWireless · 21/12/2022 17:38

@LookItsMeAgain has it.

REP22 · 21/12/2022 17:42

Agree with those saying it's a GDPR breach. Would lead to a massive bllcking/dismissal in my place of work. Also agree with the advice of @LookItsMeAgain

LlynTegid · 21/12/2022 17:42

GDPR fail I agree, if your former company will not act, then the Information Commissioner.

thing47 · 21/12/2022 17:58

Have you emailed the client @MousyMcMouse?

You don't have to be rude, you can just say that you're sorry but as you're no longer employed by your former company, you are unable to help and they will need to revert to [name of idiot who started all this].

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