Information is available much more freely these days.

For example, just this week came news that employees are now entitled to pay �10 to see the files their bosses hold on them.

But attempts to make sure all this information is used responsibly and legally have created a potentially lucrative opening for some who use questionable selling tactics.

If you own a business which uses information about people, you have to pay �35 to register with the Data Protection Agency.

Targeted

This enables members of the public to get hold of information about those companies if they wish.

But a ruse has come to light in which companies are being targeted and asked to pay three times as much for registration.

Phil Blackburn: Wasn't convinced by letter

Phil Blackburn, a computer consultant working from home, received a letter about registration.

"I assumed it was official," says Phil. "I didn't think I needed to register but looking at it, it was obvious I did so I thought I was going to have to send off �100."

But Phil wasn't easily fooled.

"I was that irritated about it I read it and reread it and re-reread it and eventually I got the feeling there was something iffy," he says.

There are seven such companies known to the Information Commissioner, Elizabeth France, and they're posted on her website.

Information Commissionr Elizabeth France

She says discussions have been held with trading standards and the police to see if any criminal offences have been committed and if not, what action needs to be taken.

Phil checked out his case on the data protection website at www.dataprotection.gov.uk - a useful port of call for anyone with information queries or concerns.

Not only has he saved himself paying over the odds, but he also discovered he doesn't need to be registered at all, so he hasn't had to spend a penny!