Telephone Preference Service (UK)
 

Guys,
Just completed my annual Data Protection course, I have to do these as part of industry regulation and in the most part they are a PITA, but sometimes this crap comes in useful.

It reminded me of this -> http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/index.html

It's the telephone preference service, if you register your telephone number with them then any unwanted calls (unless it's from a company you already deal with) should be stopped. It's an offence under OFCOM rules for a company to call you if you are registered (although no-one has ever been taken to task,, yet). I used it on my home land line and it does stop all but the companies who flout the law by using off-shore dialers (shows up as 'International' on your phone when they call)

It might be useful for you, or not, you choose.

I've been meaning to do this for a while - thanks for the reminder - now done and hopefully the offers of free kitchens and window surveys will stop.

there is also a mailing preference service too

Been using TPS & MPS for several years now. What a Godsend!!!! Almost zero junk mail & if a phone number comes up as 'International' or 'Witheld', I don't answer it. If its important, the caller will leave a message.....
Also, TPS is available as a business option: TPS Corporate. I work in a small business with 4 phone lines - works a treat & is free!!!!

Use it and quote it to those who still call you.:068:

If you are with BT, or even some of the operators who back you straight off to the BT service, then you can block all calls without a valid CLI (Call Line Identifier), the phone doesn't even ring at your end.

It's a bit of a broadsword approach, and maybe a little draconian but it works. We used to use it, but my sister blocks her CLI so it does have it's problems.

I did receive a call using an off-shore dialler a few weeks ago, and I let them try to sell me a PPI recovery service, at least until I got their details. Then asked for their Data Controller and informed her I was reporting them to the Data Commissioner for misuse of Personal Data, I also reported them to Ofcom for failure to adhere to the TPS. I don't suppose they were bothered about OFCOM, but they were very quick to confirm my details had been removed under the Data Protection Act.. The company?

Help Your Claim Ltd
86 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2ER

Named and shamed!