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I think that it is an illegal practice, for someone to be able to access your account is stealing, no matter who they are or whatever reason they say they are doing it for. This needs to be another case like the PPI, mis-selling of a product. I know they have probably covered theirselves legally and are bullet proof, but I think its a nasty practise, how many thousands of people have been stitched up this way??
just as an example, I went onto a comparison site, put in the details, and the AA were at the top almost, with a price that was over a £100 less than their auto renewal quote. no wonder that they do it. it needs stopping.
I have no doubt that lots of other companies employ the same practise, but I sell stuff on ebay and take credit/debit cards, I destroy all numbers as soon as the deal is done, i would no way dream of keeping personal details on any customer. the word is " ethics"