TRADERS in Darlington have been warned over rogue mailshots which have been received by local companies.

Two misleading letters have been brought to the attention of Darlington's trading standards department.

Several companies have recently received a letter from a data protection agency in Southport asking for £111.63 to register under the Data Protection Act 1998.

The letter advises businesses that they are required by law to comply and states: "Failure to comply with this notice may be a criminal offence and non-payment of fees may be legally enforceable."

The company's letterhead, showing the scales of justice, appears to confirm its enforcement status.

But trading standards officers in Darlington want to make all local companies aware that not all are required to be registered with the data protection agency.

Those who are can do so directly through the office of the Information Commissioner at a cost of only £35.

The commissioner can be contacted on (01625) 545740 or via the Internet on www.dpr.gov.uk

Another company has received a letter from an organisation in Barcelona, which asks people to check their company's entry details for a directory.

Companies who fail to realise they are ordering an entry are then invoiced for £466.39 and sent a letter advising them that fees are overdue and that costs will accumulate on a daily basis.

Councillor Stephen Harker, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "I would urge all companies, especially at this time of year, to be doubly vigilant and, if in doubt, contact the local trading standards office."

Darlington trading standards officers can be contacted on (01325) 388582.