SOUTH Wiltshire businesses are being warned of a scam involving demands for payment for Data Protection registration.

The warning came after two businesses in the Salisbury area had been approached by callers posing as collectors on behalf of Data Protection.

Richard Eadie, managing director of Eadie Sports and Fishing Tackle shop in Catherine Street, Salisbury, alerted the Salisbury and district chamber of commerce after suspecting a scam.

He said he had a feeling something was wrong with a letter purporting to be from the Crown Data Collection Enforcement Agency, of Cheshire, demanding £95, plus VAT.

He said: "It looked quite good and had a form to send back with the money but I just had a feeling it wasn't all right.

"We got caught by one of these things some years ago and decided to ask the Chamber of Commerce what to do about it."

A similar letter was sent to Lucas Mitchenall, at Durrington, and they too felt something was not quite right.

Under the Data Protection Act, businesses that need to register must pay an annual notification fee of £35, with no VAT.

Information Commissioner Richard Thomas emphasised that there was no connection between his office in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and companies including Crown Data Collection Enforcement Agency.

He said his office was looking into the growing problem of telephone calls and correspondence and working with other authorities to see what action could be taken.

Mr Thomas said they had information that individuals posing as collectors even had identification cards and receipt books.

He said: "There is no connection between the information commissioner and such individuals.

"The commissioner advises that those approached in this way do not make any payment and notify the police."