A DISABLED Porthleven man has claimed that data protection laws are failing vulnerable people, leaving them exposed to the hard-sell tactics of large companies selling expensive specialist equipment.
Rod Stephens, of The Gue, said he was being bombarded with glossy brochures aimed directly at his degenerative illness - which leads to the loss of sensation in his limbs - within weeks of being diagnosed.
"I was finally diagnosed with my condition in April, and within three or four weeks these promotions have been coming.
"I am walking with sticks, and have been talking to my carers about walk-in showers, reclining chairs, stair lifts. These are all the exact products that I was getting brochures for.
"There are only three organisations who have access to this information - GPs, Social Services and Disability Living Allowance."
He said that sources close to the mobility industry had told him the information was coming from the DLA, through the Mobility scheme, adding that the data was being sold for £60,000 to large companies.
(Full story in this week's Packet)
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