ACCOUNTANTS are warning businesses to beware of an offer to register them under the Data Protection Act -- at a price which is nearly three times the actual cost.
ACCA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, says it has received dozens of calls from members who report receiving what appear to be official leaflets from someone purporting to be the Data Protection Commissioner.
In some instances, the organisation gives its address as
"Somerseat House", similar to the Inland Revenue's HQ -- Somerset House.
The leaflets offer to register individuals and organisations at a cost of £95.
ACCA says that while anyone who holds personal data about other people must register, the actual cost of the process is £35 through the Data Protection Registrar, the official regulator of the Act.
Andrew Harding, Executive Director-ACCA UK, said: "Clearly many more businesses have
been approached.
"Given the official appearance of the documentation, they
may simply fill in details and send the fee requested.
"Our advice is that registering under the Act is simple and relatively cheap to do.
"Registration details can be found at The Data Protection Registrar's website, which is
www.dataprotection.gov.uk."
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