From Janet Evans - Freedom of Information Officer

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION CCTV SCAM

If you receive a letter/fax/questionnaire from companies/agencies requesting payment of up to £140+ VAT for Freedom of Information Registration, with the Information Commissioner. Do not respond, do not make any payment, and do not give them any details.

There is not need to register with the Information Commissioner under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

If you do receive a request for payment, this should be referred to the Office of Fair Trading, This is the enforcement agency that deals with complaints under the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations. You will need to send:-

1. A copy of the mailing (e.g. fax/letter/questionnaire)
   
2. A covering letter stating the date that you received the mailing and your complaint.
   
3. Whether you are willing to provide a statement to the OFT should they request one.
   

This information will be used to build a case for an injunction.

Their address is:-
Misleading Advertising Team,
Office of Fair Trading,
Fleetbank House,
2-6 Salisbury Square,
London EC4 8JX

If you have already paid money over this scam (or the Data Protection version) please let us know.

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998

Schools that use CCTV or who process and store personal information are required under the Data Protection Act 1998 to register with the Information Commissioner, at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF for an annual statutory fee of £35. All schools should already be registered.