Fraud scam targets county businesses (From Gazette Series)

Fraud scam targets county businesses

BUSINESSES are being warned to not fall for a scam involving a bogus agency after renewed targeting of companies in the county.

Gloucestershire trading standards warned businesses to be on their guard after a call from the Gazette alerted the office to suspicious letters being sent to businesses in Gloucestershire and neighbouring South Gloucestershire.

The letter - from an agency called Data Protection, based in Rochdale - advises the recipient that the business is not on the agency's records as having registered under the Data Protection Act 1998.

It continues: "Failure to comply with the Data Protection Registrar constitutes a criminal offence liable to a large fine."

It then tells the recipient to return the forms enclosed in the letter immediately together with a fee of £135.

Gloucestershire trading standards consumer advice manager Martin Bruton said the scam is well established and has been running, in various forms, for several years.

"The issue here is that certain businesses that use data are required to register with the Information Commissioner," he said. "But this letter is committing a criminal offence as it creates the impression the letter is coming from an official government source.

"It is therefore a misleading advert as it implies it is someway connected to the Data Protection Registrar. Businesses can safely ignore this letter and, if in any doubt, can check with the Information Commissioner."

Companies required to register under the Data Protection Act 1998 can do so, via the Information Commissioner for £35. By returning the Data Protection Agency letter, the company would be paying £135 for registration.

Mr Bruton added the Rochdale scam is just one of a number of bogus agencies.

He stated: "There are a number of these supposed agencies. We are aware of others operating in Southport, St Annes, Chester, Liverpool and Warrington. These offences are being investigated."

In the meantime Mr Bruton advised companies to not be misled by bogus agencies. Anyone who has received a suspicious letter about Data Protection can send it to the Office of Fair Trading, Misleading Advertisment Team, Fleet Back House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London, EC4Y 8JX or for more information visit the Information Commissioner's website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk