FOS warns firms about misuse of clients' personal data

The FOS said every year it receives complaints from consumers who are worried businesses have mishandled their personal information, including revealing addresses or financial situations. The ombudsman cannot decide whether cases involve a breach of the Data Protection Act, which would be the job of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). However, unlike the ICO, the FOS can order compensation where it believes a business has failed in its general duty to keep their customers' details confidential. In its latest newsletter, the FOS wrote: "We're careful to explain that it's ...