BOLTON and Bury Chamber is warning local businesses about data protection sharks.

The Data Protection Act of 1998 requires data controllers who process personal data to notify the Information Commissioner with their details unless they are exempt.

This legal duty has opened the doors to unscrupulous "businesses" who are charging up to £95 plus VAT for notification. The Chamber says if you are processing personal data and want to notify your business, you should contact the official Data Protection commission (www.dpr.gov.uk) on 01625-545740, who will charge you £35. VAT is not payable.

For further advice, log onto the Data Protection website at www.dpr.gov.uk, or call the notification helpline on 01625 545740.

"If you experience an approach by a dubious company purporting to offer Data Protection notification services, contact your local trading standards office," a chamber spokesperson said.