TRADING STANDARDS WARNING FOR BUSINESSES
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:49 pmFrom the Argyll & Bute Council website.
Looks like the Bochans are at in Blackpool!
Tue, 12 Apr 2005 17:08:27
Trading Standards Officers in Argyll and Bute are warning local businesses to beware of an organisation targeting unsuspecting companies by using the Freedom of Information Act.
The Trading Standards Department in Blackpool are currently investigating an organisation calling itself the ‘Freedom of Information Bureau’ after it’s understood they tried to sting a number of businesses by telling them they must register their CCTV systems under the new Act.
The company sends out a demand for a £145 fee for this service in the form of a fine-threatening ‘urgent notice’, along with a detailed form to fill in. They ask for cheques to be made payable to ‘Registration Fees’ and sent to CCTV Notifications Department, The Freedom of Information Bureau, PO Box 1167, Blackpool, Lancashire.
A spokesman for the Information Commissioner’s Office in Cheshire said, “In reality some CCTV systems do need to be registered with the Information Commissioner, such as those which operate by remote control, zoom or make individuals targets of scrutiny, but the cost is £35. However, fixed cameras and those which make real-time recordings need not be registered.
“This is a bogus company being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading, Trading Standards and Blackpool police. It has no power or authorisation to collect fees on our behalf.
“Our advice is to contact the Information Commissioner directly for advice on whether your system is covered on 01625 545740.”
Looks like the Bochans are at in Blackpool!
Tue, 12 Apr 2005 17:08:27
Trading Standards Officers in Argyll and Bute are warning local businesses to beware of an organisation targeting unsuspecting companies by using the Freedom of Information Act.
The Trading Standards Department in Blackpool are currently investigating an organisation calling itself the ‘Freedom of Information Bureau’ after it’s understood they tried to sting a number of businesses by telling them they must register their CCTV systems under the new Act.
The company sends out a demand for a £145 fee for this service in the form of a fine-threatening ‘urgent notice’, along with a detailed form to fill in. They ask for cheques to be made payable to ‘Registration Fees’ and sent to CCTV Notifications Department, The Freedom of Information Bureau, PO Box 1167, Blackpool, Lancashire.
A spokesman for the Information Commissioner’s Office in Cheshire said, “In reality some CCTV systems do need to be registered with the Information Commissioner, such as those which operate by remote control, zoom or make individuals targets of scrutiny, but the cost is £35. However, fixed cameras and those which make real-time recordings need not be registered.
“This is a bogus company being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading, Trading Standards and Blackpool police. It has no power or authorisation to collect fees on our behalf.
“Our advice is to contact the Information Commissioner directly for advice on whether your system is covered on 01625 545740.”
