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BS: Data Protection Act

25 Feb 04 - 06:44 AM (#1123322)
Subject: BS: Data Protection Act
From: s&r

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.


25 Feb 04 - 07:03 AM (#1123332)
Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: The Fooles Troupe

This is something relevant to The UK?

Robin


25 Feb 04 - 09:46 AM (#1123442)
Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: ced2

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.


25 Feb 04 - 09:47 AM (#1123443)
Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: s&r

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


26 Feb 04 - 07:09 AM (#1124217)
Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: GUEST,MC Fat

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.


26 Feb 04 - 09:17 AM (#1124300)
Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: GUEST,Elfcall

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


26 Feb 04 - 07:31 PM (#1124799)
Subject: RE: BS: Data Protection Act
From: s&r