COMPANIES are being advised to be on their guard following approaches from businesses charging up to £95 plus VAT to register them under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Now the Information Commissioner, Elizabeth France, responsible for the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts, has expressed her concern at the volume of telephone calls and correspondence received by her Office in relation to the activities of a number of businesses.

Estate agents Crendon House, in High Wycombe and Chinnor, wrote to the Bucks Free Press after it received correspondence from one of the companies asking for a service fee of £95 plus VAT to cover the notification fee and documentation.

Members of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry contacted the business organisation after they received an official looking letter from a different company.

This claimed the company's failure to 'Notify' under the Data Protection Act 1998 was a possible breach of the Act.

It then requested £95 for registration but what was unclear was if the payment meant the agency Notified the Information Commission on the company's behalf.

Adrian Moss, chairman of the Bracknell Chamber of Commerce and an expert on data protection issues, said: "This looks like a simple case of playing on people's uncertainty and fears.

"It does not seem that anything of value is given in return for the £95 especially as the annual Notification fee is only £35 when paid direct to the Information Commission."

He recommended that businesses should not pay the £95 but contact the Information Commission directly.

The Commission's website, www.dpr.gov.uk, gives the names of seven companies - and states: "The Commissioner is keen to make clear that there is no connection between her Office and these businesses.

"She has been disturbed that a number of people have been confused and troubled by the wording and tone of some of the correspondence issues by these businesses.

Her Office is cooperating with other relevant authorities who are exploring what action might be taken."

The site advises organisations wishing to complain should contact their local Trading Standards Office (which can be found locally at Buckinghamshire County Council).

More details are available through the Commission's website or by calling the Notification helpline on 01625 545740o

February 14, 2002 13:38