Misleading Data Protection Letters - Further
Company Involved
South Tyneside's businesses are urged to be on their
guard if they receive letters warning them they face
a £5,000 fine if they do not register for data
protection purposes.
Businesses in South Tyneside have started to receive
letters from another scam company 'Data Collection Services'
apparently aimed at new businesses. Earlier in the year
another company, 'Data Protection Registration Services'
were also operating a similar scam in South Tyneside.
The 'Notice' from 'Data Collection Services' states
that their records show that the business has still
not registered their details with the Information Commissioner
and it warns them that failure to do so is a criminal
offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000.
The notice adds that Data Collection Services will
organise the registration on behalf of the business
- for a £95 fee
Our advice is to ignore these misleading claims and
to check whether you are required to register for data
protection purposes. If you do, a flat rate charge of
£35 is payable.
There is a legal requirement under the Data Protection
Act 1988 for organisations, who hold personal data or
use CCTV, advertising or marketing in its every day
business to notify the Information Commissioner who
is responsible in maintaining the Public Register. There
are some exemptions from notification
Businesses can check their legal obligation and register
online or by phoning the helpline on 01625 545740.
Further information is also available direct from the
Data
Protection Commission website which includes a press
release and a list of companies who the Information
Commissioner is concerned about.
Copyright South Tyneside Council
12 August 2004
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