CONMEN are still swindling East Lancashire firms by demanding payment for putting companies on a fictional data protection register, Trading Standards officers have warned.

Despite recent action by the Office of Fair Trading and Trading Standards chiefs in the county to close down several misleading 'data protection registration' services, other operators are continuing the malpractice of demanding £95 for registration.

Now Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards Service is again warning businesses to be on their guard against companies inviting them to pay a fee for registration under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Typically, such companies request a fee of £95 plus for registering the business with the Information Commissioner.

However, while most businesses processing personal data, including staff records, are required by law to notify the Information Commissioner, firms can notify the Information Commissioner directly and the registration fee is only £35.

Many small businesses may not be required to register and further information can be obtained directly from the Information Commissioner's website and telephone helpline.

The Office of Fair Trading has already taken action against two such companies and is collating information on a number of others, some of which often use official-looking documents and imply a link with the Information Commissioner.

An increasing number of 'registration' services are flooding the market and Trading Standards are aware of at least 20 companies offering this 'service'. Some are now threatening small businesses that they face a £5,000 fine if they fail to register.

Details of whether or not you are required to notify under the Data Protection Act 1998 are available on the Information Commissioner's website at www.dpr.gov.uk or by telephone on 01625 545740. The website also includes details of' 'Bogus Agencies' which have no connection with the Information Commissioner's Office.