BS: Data Protection Act

Subject: BS: Data Protection Act
From: s&r
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 06:44 AM

We were sent a letter supposedly from the Data Protection Agency. It asked for £135.00 to register, and suggested that if we did not we would be liable for a large fine ..etc.

This shows a list of organisations that appear on the website of the information commissioner as 'bogus agencies'.

The cost of registration is £35.00; it is not difficult. Anyone receiving letters appearing to or purporting to be from the Data Protection Agency or similar should report it to their local police.

Correspondence that is really from the Information Commissioner always bears his Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow address.

Many festivals and similar organisations could be taken in by these letters and pay large amounts unnecessarily.

Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 07:03 AM

This is something relevant to The UK?

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: ced2
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 09:46 AM

Certainly is. When the act first came in about 15 year ago there was a similar set of bogus demands... I had to register an organisation, I did not find it easy until I got freely given advice from the agency itself.

Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: s&r
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 09:47 AM

Sorry - Yes, UK. There are rules about storing info. on people - if you have data stored, you should register as a controller of data, and anyone has the right (for a small payment) to see what you have on them.

As with many regulations, the difficulty is when protecting rights becomes bureaucracy.

We have a lot of rules here: this particular thread was the result of a letter that I found quite intimidating.

Stu

Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 07:09 AM

This company have been 'targeting' the Com?Vol sector. I know of at least one local organisation where the voluntary treasurer had actualy written the cheque. Inform your local coppers if you get one.

Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 09:17 AM

I work in the voluntary sector, in a Law Centre, although I have not received such a notice I have seen several and they are quite threatening.

The Information Commissioner website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk has a list of bogus agencies, etc under the title of 'Do Not Be Misled'(I think).

Elfcall

Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: s&r
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 07:31 PM