BUSINESSES are being warned to be on their guard so they are not ripped off.

Trading Standards have received a number of inquiries about firms who send invoices stating that bosses must register their businesses for data protection activities. Fees of between £85-£120 have been quoted to register under the Data Protection Act.

The letters have come from various addresses nationwide, mainly in the North-west, but also from Birmingham and London, with the companies going under various guises, usually with 'data protection' or 'registration' in the title. Bury Metro's Public Protection Spokesperson, Cllr Pam Walker, said: "If local companies are approached and fees demanded, from anyone other than the Information Commissioner, then they should get in touch with our Trading Standards."