Is this a scam ?

Is this a scam ?

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I have received a letter from the ICO ( information commissioners office ) with a address in Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire.

It says that as accountant I need to register under the data protection act for a fee of £35 ( which may change once the process of notification begins ).

I process the payroll for several clients.

I have read the leaflet but I cannot work out if I need to register.

I have heard of scams in this area.

My question is :

Is this a scam ?

And do I need to register with any organisation ?

Thanks

TC

Replies (5)

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Euan's picture
By Euan MacLennan
01st May 2007 11:27

No and Yes
There have been scams, but the ICO at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, is the real thing and the fee is £35.

If you process payrolls, you are holding personal information on a number of employees, presumably on a computer. You need to register under the Data Protection Act.

Even if you found some loophole that might allow you to avoid registration, is it worth it for £35?

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By AnonymousUser
01st May 2007 11:41

The precise wording may be of interest.
Last time I checked, it was not absolutely certain that an accountant (particularly one who is not engaged in auditing work) would need to register, simply by reason of being an accountant, although the nature of the business and the way that we operate is such as to render the obligation rather likely, depending on the particular facts (and the limited facts available on this case suggest that registration requirement fits the norm).

So I find the statement in a standard-worded letter "as an accountant [you] *need* to register", without acknowledging the possibility that you might not, however unlikely, rather odd.

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By theaardvark
01st May 2007 11:51

Nope
The ICO is the agency that oversees the registration of Data Controllers. There's a FAQ that gives details of the fees charged and whether you are required to register.

Regards

Paul Taylor
Dains

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By User deleted
02nd May 2007 19:04

Scam
There was something like this a few years ago, it looked very official, and threatened prosecution if the money was not paid. The general consensus was it was an official body, but was not necessary to join. So none of my clients paid up and nothing happened. I'm not sure if it's the same thing though.

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David Winch
By David Winch
03rd May 2007 07:42

I'm with Euan and Paul

I agree with Euan and Paul. There have been scams, but £35 is the genuine fee.

The ICO has been chasing up accountants. Most accountants should register (I certainly have).

David

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