Firms issued warning over Data Protection Act scam

by Joe Lepper, Brand Republic 30-Oct-06, 07:00

LONDON - The Information Commissioner's Office has warned businesses not to be taken in by bogus firms demanding money to register under the Data Protection Act.

The ICO, which was set up by the government to promote public access to official information, has issued the warning following a legal ruling ordering two conmen who targeted firms to pay back just under £500,000 to their victims.

The two men, who were convicted of money laundering and fraud three years ago, had posed as a bogus firm and demanded fees from businesses of up to £135 to register under the act.

Under current rules the statutory fee is just £35 and the registration process is handled by the ICO. Any demand for more than £35 will be a scam and should be ignored, according to the ICO.

Simon Entwhistle, ICO chief operating officer, said: "This ruling should serve as a severe warning and deterrent to other bogus agencies that are trying to rip off British companies."

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