GPs warned about fake DPA agencies

GP practices have been warned to look out for bogus data protection firms posing as official government bodies.

Londonwide Local Medical Committees has alerted its GPs after it was informed that many organisations were being targeted for the scam.

The LMC said letters requesting up to £135 for notification under the Data Protection Act often came on “official looking” headed notepaper, and used threatening language.

The LMC said the statutory fee for notification is £35 and practices need to go directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

It added: “If you receive an unexpected letter demanding more than £35 to notify under the DPA this will be a scam. The ICO suggests that you dispose of any such letter and do not pay the fee.”

An alert on the ICO’s website states that there is no connection between its office and any of the “self-styled agencies”.

The ICO said local trading standards offices, the Office of Fair Trading and various police forces were aware of the activities and action was been taken against agencies posing as Data Protection Act regulators.

The ICO websites lists more than 40 agencies that have sent mailings as well as 16 organisations against which the OFT has taken action.

The ICO said anyone with any doubt about a letter received should call the notification helpline on 01625 545 740.