Quick question - is it legal to record telephone conversations?

[lilybubble]

I spoke to Customs & Revenue last week who informed me I have been overpaid in tax credits and that I had to repay an amount. I believe that the operator offered to halve the amount owed as it is dating back a while, and that my now ex and I would have to pay half the remaining amount. I agreed to this and paid the amount, although was not certain this was accurate. When I checked my bank account today they had taken the full amount, so I phoned to complain. THey agreed their mistake and said that they would refund the overpaymment, but I asked them to refund in full so that I can dispute (as ex was furious when I told him I'd paid)

They eventually agreed to this, but said they'd listened to a recording of the phone call and that the operator had not agreed to halve the amount, only that my ex and I could halve it. This is not my understanding, but I do accept that I could be wrong as I was quite upset.

I was not informed that my conversation might / would be recorded, and I'm wondering if a) it's legal to record without telling me and b) if it's likely they've just made it up.

Any advice? I need to deal with this this evening so any info would be useful. Wretched tax credits, I am so annoyed

Thanks in advance

look on offcom - they have a paper setting out what you can/can't do. I can't remember the details but we went into this some years ago for a specific query and I think the offcom website was helpful

I think it's only legal if a warning is given that the conversation is being recorded - you know the usual when you phone a call centre - for training purposes etc.

See here on Oftel website, seems they don't have to tell you if it's for one of the authorised reasons listed.

Hi - it is my understanding that this is not allowed.....the legislation which covers this is the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 which prohibits this kind of recording....thre are exceptions however so when you do speak to them ask them "under what legislative provision they are seeking to rely on when they recorded your initial conversation"
Hope this helps.