Issued By Northumberland County Council

DON'T BE FOOLED AGAIN

COUNTY Trading Standards Officer for Northumberland, Mick King, today warns businesses to be extra careful of any communication they may receive concerning the need to register under the Data Protection Act.

Whilst it is a legal requirement for those who process personal data to notify the Information Commissioner (formerly the Data Protection Commissioner) so that their details can be added to the Data Protection Register, this only incurs a fee of £35.

However, some businesses are offering to carry out this work for a much higher cost, in some cases over £110.  Although they have no connection with the Information Commissioner, the paperwork they use, unless read very carefully, appears to be a warning letter from the Information Commissioner threatening legal action unless the demands are acted upon straightaway.

“I advise all businesses in Northumberland, particularly small businesses, to be wary of any demand for payment they may receive from an unexpected source” says Mick King, “and I would ask any business with suspicions about the legitimacy of any demand for money to contact their local Trading Standards Department.

“If anyone wants information about their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, I would urge them to contact the Information Commissioner’s office directly on 01625 545 745.”

Further information is available from:

Nic Outterside, Press Officer, Northumberland County Council

Tel: 01670 534251

Elizabeth Taylor, Public Relations Assistant, Northumberland County Council