TRADERS in Darlington have been urged to beware of rogue mailshots.

Some received a letter from an agency in Southport asking for £111.63 to register under the Data Protection Act 1998.

But trading standards officers say not all businesses are required to register, and those which are can do so via the Office of the Information Commissioner at a cost of £35.

Another letter, from a company in Barcelona, asks people to check 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.