There’s nothing more frustrating than receiving unwanted calls, and when it gets to the stage where you can’t answer your own phone without the fear of a persistent salesperson on the other end of the line, then it’s time to act.
The first thing you should do is contact the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), run by the Direct Marketing Association. The service is free and allows you to opt out of receiving marketing communications and includes preventing marketing calls from business development firms, charities, voluntary organisations and political parties. You can register your home and mobile numbers with the scheme and according to Ofcom research, 45% of those registered on the list receive no more cold calls.
Once you are registered, organisations are not allowed to call you unless you have given prior consent.
Prior Consent
When you sign up with new websites there are often two tick boxes, one for their terms and conditions and the other to receive communications from select partners. Do not tick this box, ever! If you do, you are consenting that data can be sold legitimately to third party companies and this is considered prior consent.
Even though you may have opted out via the Telephone Preference Service you will still receive communications from companies that have your data via this process.
Telesales Calls
Live marketing calls should not be made to anyone who has registered with the TPS, unless they are told they can. If you continue to receive telesales calls, firstly you should write to the organisation concerned. If you get no response after 28 days you should make a complaint to the TPS (www.tpsonline.org.uk).
Automated Sales Calls
These are known as lead generated calls, looking to capture your details to sell on to a firm. Companies making these calls must have your permission first, and if you haven’t given it then you should register your concerns with the Information Commissioners Office, giving them as much information as possible regarding the calls. You can contact them on 0303 123 1113.
Silent Phone Calls
If you are receiving silent calls this is usually from an automated system in a Contact Centre. The system automatically dials phone numbers and if you answer, you are then connected to a member of staff in the Contact Centre. However, if no one in the Contact Centre is available then you receive the silent call.
If a company is using this system it must publish its phone number. Ring 1471 when you’ve finished the call to find out the number, or call your phone provider and request the caller’s phone number. You can then make a complaint to Ofcom on 0300 123 333.
Unwanted Text Messages
The TPS cannot help with unwanted text messages. Instead, forward unwanted texts to 7726 and these will register as unwanted text messages with your mobile provider.
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR PHONE
If you receive a phone call requesting your financial details or PIN numbers for checking purposes, do not divulge any of this information unless you are 100% certain of who you are talking to.
Talk to your home or mobile phone provider about what options they have to deal with nuisance calls. On the iPhone you can choose to block a phone number or to obtain phone call identification, but you will need to pay an additional charge for the latter. Make sure your phone details aren’t published anywhere by going ex-directory.
Harassing Phone Calls
If you are receiving rude or harassing phone calls then you should contact your phone provider for assistance and to investigate the issue.
These calls are a criminal offence and will be taken very seriously. You can contact your phone provider on one of the following numbers:
• BT 0800 661 441
• Carphone Warehouse & Talk Talk 0870 444 1820
• Post Office 0845 600 3210
• Sky 08442 414 141
• Tiscali 0871 222 3311
• Tesco 0845 300 7080
• Virgin Media 0800 953 3333
If you are extremely concerned then contact the Police on 101 and they can trace the phone call.