In February, we highlighted a scam that takes advantage of widespread
confusion over data protection legislation.
Readers were receiving letters warning them that they could face fines of up
to £5,000 if they did not register data processing information with companies
demanding hundreds of pounds.
But, as we pointed out, notification can be done directly through the online
facility of the Information Commissioners Office, for £35.
There was, then, a certain irony when Personnel Today and sister magazine,
Occupational Health, were sent ‘urgent’ notices warning us we were not in the
records of the ‘Data Protection Agency’, and asking for £135.
Readers will be pleased to note we remain off their records and have sent
the so-called agency a copy of our investigation and a cheery note to tell it
to leave us and our readers alone.
