Trading Standards Warning

27August 2003

The Comhairle’s Trading Standards Section are warning about a scam involving data protection registration directed towards playgroups.

Businesses who have received mailings requesting a fee of £95 for notification are advised to complain directly to the Office of Fair Trading and are advised to send:

1. A copy of the mailing
2. A covering letter stating the date they received the letter and detailing their complaint
3. Permission for the OFT to use their complaint in legal proceedings if necessary
4. Whether the complainant would be willing to provide a statement to the OFT should they request one

This should be forwarded to:
The Misleading Advertising Team
The Office of Fair Trading
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
London
EC4Y 8JX
Fax: 020 7211 8338

Playgroups are advised that if they are processing personal data they may need to register with the information commissioner (although some small businesses are exempt). Details of whether or not a business is required to notify under the Data Protection Act 1998 are available on the Information Commissioners website on www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk or by telephone on 01625 545740. Notification, if required, costs £35, not the £95 claimed.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk