We’ve had 3 phone calls this week that very much fall into the category of “cold calling”. Odd, as we’re registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) not to receive calls like this.

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a central opt out register whereby individuals can register their wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS.

So, what can we do about these calls?

If you are receiving unsolicited sales and marketing voice recorded messages down your telephone line, and you have not given prior consent to receive such messages, you can ask the marketer to stop sending these.

They are legally obliged to act upon your request.

However if you are still receiving such calls (or it is not possible to ask the company to stop sending these types of messages) you can complain directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). They are the government body responsible for enforcing the regulations.

I’d therefore suggest that when you receive such calls, to do the following…

• Ask for details on which company they represent
• Tell them you are signed up to the TPS. This often causes an immediate reaction, as they know the consequences of this.
• If this makes no difference, point out that it is illegal for them to call you when you are registered with the TPS.
• If this makes no difference, tell them you are going to report their company and that you don’t wish to be contact again. Hang up.

Everyone makes mistakes, so that’s all that may have happened here… give the company a chance to realise their mistake and correct it. If they’re unwilling, then DO contact the ICO.

Unfortunately, none of this applies if the company is outside of the UK (the company they represent, not necessarily the company calling you) as TPS and ICO have no jurisdiction. Never-the-less I’d still ask the previous questions about TPS and, if not helpful, ask them to remove you from their contact lists. If all else fails, ask them to never call again and hang up.