Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Trading Standards team has been contacted by local businesses about a letter they have received headed 'UK – DATA CONTROL – Missing information about your VAT Registration Number' with ‘Scotland Business’ prominently stated at the top of the first page.

The letter says that the sender is looking to update VAT registration numbers. However the small print details the true purpose of the letter –to get the business to sign up to paying £790 per year for three years inclusion on the UK-Data Control portal. Inclusion on this portal is likely to be of absolutely no benefit to the local business.

Colin Smyth, Chairman of the Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee said: ‘This letter could easily catch businesses out as it looks like an official communication. Trading Standards Officers have checked the UK-Data Control portal website and have noted that several local businesses are already listed on it.

"This would suggest that businesses in Dumfries and Galloway are being targeted and I would urge anyone who has returned the letter unwittingly to seek advice from Trading Standards."

Firms should be aware that there is no obligation on them to provide any information to this company.

For further information or advice, please contact the Council’s Trading Standards team by e-mail to trading.standards@dumgal.gov.uk or by calling 030 33 33 3000.