Argyll and Bute Council’s trading standards team is warning local residents about a VAT letter scam in the area. The team has had reports of businesses receiving a letter titled ’UK – DATA CONTROL – Missing information about your VAT Registration Number’.

The letter states that the sender is looking to update VAT registration numbers, however, what the scammers are actually trying to do is get businesses to sign up to paying £790/year for three years inclusion on the UK data control portal, which is unlikely to have any benefit to businesses.

The council is concerned that local businesses may think the letter is an official communication and will sign and return the form , leading to demands for payments.

Businesses should be aware that there is absolutely no obligation for them to provide any information.

For further information please contact trading standards on 01546 605519.