I think I understand now, thanks for the elaboration. I see this as a clear consumer issue that needs to be addressed through development of "Best Practice" or even better a "Code of Conduct" for such resorts, hotels, hospitality chains and their affiliate marketing institutions. Unfortunately though, there is no clear place where such consumer issues can be addressed and acted upon. I think that in connection with this are the issues of identity, personal records, privacy and security that seem to be glossed over in the various current sets of draft legislation floating around. In my honest opinion I sincerely feel that these have not been amply addressed from a consumer standpoint. Brian On Aug 26, 2008, at 11:28 AM, James Kagwe wrote:
Brian,
I think to me the abuse comes in due to the fact that the victim gave out personal information innocently not knowing what the recipient was planning to use it for. Later he was called and told that he had won a holiday which was actually a lie as it was pegged on him joining and paying a membership fee. I think it also feel bad when you are invited to take up a ticket which you have won only for people to use your three hours trying to market a product to you, they would as well come out clean and indicate what they want outrightly other than wasting your time. Besides, if I can take my example the time they approached me my financial position then, would not have afforded me such and if I new that they were calling me for that I wouldn’t even had gone.
Well, I may be wrong but that’s my feeling.
Regards, James Kagwe
From: Brian Munyao Longwe [mailto:brian@caret.net] Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:44 AM To: James Kagwe Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] Abuse of Personal information
Hi James,
I have been invited for this same session in much the same way the lady describes in her story. Due to a hectic schedule I didn't make it for the evening presentation, despite being scheduled (and confirming) 3 times in a row.
While I cannot vouch for or against this particular group as I have not yet "tasted" their system/process etc, I will say that I went through an identical experience about 4-5 years ago with "Africa Vacation Club" - and my wife and I actually opted to purchase one of the options which was an off-peak week at their resort (my subsequent experience showed that it's a concept called timeshare).
To cut a long story short, we paid for our membership category, have maintained our membership by paying the required annual maintenance fee and have enjoyed a wonderful week holiday at their Kilifi resort with the kids (I have 3). We have also since received our full RCI membership pack, including card and catalogue of other venues around the world where we can "exchange" our local week.
But, having said that I do know, and am aware that some con artists have used this gimmick in the past to con innocent Kenyans out of hard-earned money, there are a couple of sites on the 'net that attest to that.
What I'm curious about is how the experience you detailed/shared amounts to abuse of personal information? Especially since the said forms were filled voluntarily, which could be assumed to be an "opt in" decision milestone.
Please elaborate?
Regards,
Brian
On Aug 26, 2008, at 9:51 AM, James Kagwe wrote:
All,
I came across the following story http://www.wananchiforums.com/ showthread.php?p=2370#post2370 and felt I could share it with all of us. Talk about giving out personal information to the wrong people. I was a victim about 4 years ago and I cannot belief that these guys have been going on with this all this time. I have a feeling that this is some abuse of personal information and some policy issues need to be sort out somewhere regarding personal information and how it can / should be used.
Best Regards, James Kagwe
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