To think that this was unacceptable from solicitors

[princessposy]

DH doesn’t think this is a hugely big deal but I am really irritated by it.

I am selling a property. Estate agents recommended a solicitor so got a quote, paid them, sent some paperwork off then heard nothing for a few weeks. Probably should have chased it but there has been an awful lot on.

It transpires the solicitors have been sending forms and so on to an incorrect email address. It’s just my name at gmail dot com but my name is similar to a more common one. So as well as not getting the emails, they’ve been going to someone with a similar name to mine.

The solicitors didn’t seem bothered at all and just forwarded the emails to the correct email address.

AIBU to think that’s not acceptable? Or am I overreacting?

Is that sort of comment really necessary? Kicking someone when they’re already stressed?

It’s a returning troll, best ignored

Op. You hired someone to do a confidential and professional job and they haven’t delivered that. I would send an email to them outlining your concerns and also ensuring you’re not charged for anything related to the mistake.

Op. You hired someone to do a confidential and professional job and they haven’t delivered that. I would send an email to them outlining your concerns and also ensuring you’re not charged for anything related to the mistake.

I can see where you're coming from OP. If the process had been a bit further along and they'd sent anything confidential (the address you live at now, mortgage details etc.) rather than what sounds like the details of the other property, I'd expect a very good apology and tbh some sort of discount, also confirmation that they'd self-referred to the ICO (and if they hadn't I'd consider doing so myself).

But even in this case I'd expect an apology, primarily because if they are so blasé about it it doesn't exactly fill you with reassurance that they a) won't do the same thing again and b) that they are going to be pro-active in actioning your move, if it's taken them weeks without chasing you.

I work in the public sector so a bit different but it's a big deal whenever someone sends something to the wrong email - we have to fill in a form, self refer to the data gov manager, it's circulated (anonymously) to the whole org, etc.

Thanks @lalalagarden . I sent an email which I hope is polite but was somewhat terser than normal. I’m fairly understanding of human error as a rule but this time I’m irritated, not least because I hate people getting my name wrong!

Thanks @tokennamechange - I’m public sector too so I guess it’s another world!

YANBU, but this might not be true. If the other person with your name accesses this email address regularly, surely (?) they would have replied to your solicitor and said “you’ve sent this to the wrong person”.

My pension adviser sent me an email that should have gone to another client. I replied straightaway (and got a very apologetic email back). Wouldn’t most people do that?

Clearly that didn’t happen in this case as your solicitor carried on using the wrong email address. That makes me think the other Mrs Smith doesn’t use this email.

I don’t know that they would @CalliopeFosterBeauchamp . More likely to think it’s spam and delete! Or they are very young, or elderly, or have never sold a property … any number of possibilities! It doesn’t really matter why they didn’t, its not really their responsibility to do so.

This. Firms recommended by estate agents need treating with caution- check reviews.

Kicking someone when they’re down?

oh don’t be such a drama llama

If your email address is that similar to another email address… has this not happened many times in the past before?

I wouldn’t use a solicitor on an estate agent’s recommendation. They’re usually doing it for a kickback.

But the fields were empty and hadn’t been populated?

With any luck they might put in a cheeky offer!

I get why you are annoyed however because the data they shared does not pose any risk to you I think it is a minimal breach. You say they shared name and email ? No address or other personal information ?
So it’s classed as a minor breach.
I deal with breaches all the time and this would not be classed as serious.
I would not be too bothered myself.

@princessposy very unprofessional all round. We are having similar offhand service currently from an EA recommended solicitor so I think this indifference must be quite common.
Doubtless they'll be wanting an online review once they finally get their job done....

I probably should have shopped around more for a solicitor. Problem is, I don’t live where the property is or even anywhere near, and really just want the whole thing done with quickly - so doubly frustrating we’ve lost nearly a month!

You are referring to them as solicitors but because you are paying probably peanuts in comparison to what an experienced solicitor would charge you, they are likely conveyancers.

Yes, probably. I’m not well versed in buying and selling property and am largely just acting on advice of others.

I would never use a solicitor, plumber, gardener etc recommended by the EA for a start. Surely they will be taking their own cut from the arrangement and if not, I still would always go with personal recommendations.
Do the emails contain confidential data or blank forms to complete?

This! Over and over. Do not use solicitors buying work YOU from estate agents. Go local!

Public sector but relying on Google for confidential emails. Behave.

YANBU but solicitors do everything at a snails pace and never ever use the phone.

They made a mistake and corrected it. What else do you want them to do? Wear a hair shirt for six months? Self flagellate in public next Saturday?

Mistakes happen, they have dealt with it.

Sounds like a data breech, under uk law they should report it to the ICO within 72 hours. They should definately be taking it seriously. I'd make a formal complaint.

What sort of personal information was on the emails that they sent?