SHEPPEY businesses have been told to be vigilant after the emergence of a repeat scam.

Business Link Kent has been inundated with calls from concerned businesses after a company sent out letters offering help with data protection registration.

The firm involved sends a letter to companies stating that unless the recipient registers for data protection they are breaking the law. It offers to undertake registration on the recipient's behalf for a fee of £95 plus VAT.

But the truth is that not all companies need to register, and those that do can do so online or by post with the Data Protection Registry, for just £35.

Business Link Kent's Linda Bennett said: "This scam first emerged in January 2002 -- when we issued strong warnings to all local businesses to avoid getting involved.

"Now it has resurfaced and people are clearly getting caught out. There really is nothing scary about data protection -- registration is not complicated and need only cost about a third of what this scam seeks to charge."