Robocalls warning as energy firm fined

A DURHAM-BASED energy firm has been fined £250,000 for making millions of automated marketing calls.

- DAVID HUNTLEY

Green Spark Energy Ltd (GSE) used an avatar software which gave the call recipients the impression they were talking to ‘Jo, Helen or Ian’ from the UK - but were actually scripted lines recorded by voice actors and played by call agents abroad.

‘The callers identified themselves only as a ‘local energy advisor’ offering loft insulation.

‘The calls gave the recipient the impression they were talking to a person from the UK but were in fact recorded calls activated by call agents abroad using software.

Almost 500 complaints about the ‘robocalls’ were made to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, said the robocall technology is making it harder for the public to spot automated calls and report them to the ICO.

He said: “We've heard disturbing reports of how unscrupulous companies are using robo technology to fool elderly and vulnerable people.

“We understand how distressing these calls can be and will work on the public's behalf to catch those responsible.”