The Data Protection Act scam

27 May 2008

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It has come to our attention that businesses are being targeted by fake data protection 'agencies' posing as official government bodies. Their letters, which request sums of up to £135 to notify under the Data Protection Act, often use threatening language and are on official-looking headed notepaper.

There is no connection between the Information Commissioner's Office and any of these self styled 'agencies'.

The statutory fee for notification is just £35 a year. Organisations and businesses that need to notify should come directly to the ICO. Most businesses will notify themselves without help of intermediaries.

If you receive a letter, out of the blue, demanding more than £35 to notify under the DPA this will be a scam. Our simple message to businesses is to throw the letter in the bin and not pay the fee.

Local Trading Standards, the Office of Fair Trading and various police forces are aware of these activities and action has been taken against agencies posing as Data Protection Act regulators.

Visit the Information Commissioner's Office website to find out more.

The Data Protection Act scam

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