VAT Scam Targets Businesses

Trading Standards officers have received reports of a letter doing the rounds headed 'UK data control'.

The sender states that it's looking to update VAT Registration Numbers.

However, officers say the scammers are actually trying to get businesses to sign up to pay £790 a year, for three years, to be included on the UK-Data Control portal. 

Trading Standards says there's no legal obligation to sign up.

Alan Hamilton Service Manager Trading Standards said: “Businesses may think that the letter is an official communication and will sign and return the form, however 

this will only lead to demands for payment. Businesses should be aware that there is no legal obligation on them to send this particular information and 

entries do not have to appear on the company’s website or portal.”

Trading Standards advise that if you receive a letter like the one described, you should consider whether to respond or instead report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk where you can also report a scam online.