TRADING Standards bosses today warned businesses to be on their guard against a bogus letter demanding cash.

Officers from Bury Metro are investigating a number of complaints from the Ramsbottom area.

Local businesses are concerned about letters demanding they register their business under the Data Protection Act.

Trading Standards officers said the letters demand fees of between £85 and £120 and originate from various addresses nationwide, but mainly in the North West and Birmingham and London.

They quote a number of company names, usually with data protection or registration in the title.

But official letters only bear the address of the Information Commission, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, and anything else could turn out to be bogus.

Pam Walker, a spokesman for Bury Metro's Public Protection, said: "It is a legal requirement under The Data Protection Act for businesses who collect or process personal data to register with the Information Commissioner.

"Registration costs £35, although certain types of business are exempt from having to register, such as non-profit-making organisations. 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."

Businesses in the area are asked to:

Check the originating address -- if it is from anybody other than the Information Commission at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, it may turn out to be bogus

Check the amount you are being asked to pay. The statutory annual fee is £35, any other amount should raise suspicions

Check if you need to register by contacting the Information Commissioners Office, 01625 525 745

Send a copy of the letter with your details and date it was received to the Trading Standards Office at Textile Hall, Manchester Road, Bury.