The most common cold calls

Ofcom has released new figures about the number of nuisance calls households receive. We look at the top 10 subjects for cold-callers.

We’ve all been there. The landline or mobile phone rings and you rush to answer, only to find it’s a recorded message, cold call or, worst of all, a silent call.

Nuisance calls can be downright annoying, and for the elderly or vulnerable silent calls in particular can be quite scary. But despite complaints from consumers and focus from Ofcom, the number of unwanted calls households receive remains broadly unchanged since this time last year.

However the past 12 months have seen a change in the subject of cold calls. Ofcom says the proportion of nuisance calls relating to payment protection insurance (PPI) has reduced significantly over the past year – but other subjects have seen an increase.

We look at the top 10 subjects for nuisance calls and whether you should ever take any notice of what they say.

PPI claims

Ofcom says 13% of nuisance calls are from companies urging people to reclaim mis-sold PPI policies. This type of insurance was routinely sold alongside loans and credit cards to people who didn’t need it or request it, or who wouldn’t be able to make a successful claim.

Should you take any notice? A bit. It may well be the case that you have paid for a policy you can now reclaim the premiums for – and a cold call may prompt you to do this. However you don’t need the help of a third party to claim PPI compensation as it’s pretty easy to do yourself.

Insurance and financial services

About 9% of nuisance calls relate to insurance and 5% to financial services or products. Almost universally the caller will be trying to sell you something.

Should you take any notice? No. Certain types of insurance – such as motor – are mandatory while others such as home contents, life and travel are a good idea but not compulsory. Firms flogging insurance or financial services rarely have your best interests at heart – a better plan is to use a site like lovemoney.com or perhaps a financial adviser to find the best products for your needs.

Get a life insurance quote with lovemoney.com

Home/loft insulation

About 8% of nuisance calls relate to measures that will improve the energy efficiency of your home. A further 6% will be flogging solar panels.

Should you take any notice? Probably not. Although loft and cavity wall insulation can improve your home’s efficiency, you need to do some research before deciding on a provider. There are plenty of grants available to do this so it may cost less than an unsolicited caller suggests.

Solar panels can be a worthwhile investment but think carefully before signing up with a company that cold calls you.

Market research

Around 8% of nuisance calls are to do market research. In many cases you’ll either be a current, potential or ex-customer of the company concerned.

Should you take any notice? Maybe. Although these calls might be a nuisance, they can provide valuable feedback to companies which enables them to improve their product or service. 

Home improvements

About 7% of cold calls relate to home improvements such as new kitchens or windows.

Should you take any notice? No. Chances are if you need a new kitchen, bathroom or double glazing you’ll know about it before someone randomly rings you up. Get a quote from callers by all means, but shop around rival providers too.

Energy and telecoms

Ofcom says about 7% of nuisance calls are from companies trying to sell energy deals. A further 5% are about phone and broadband.

Should you take any notice? Probably not. There are hundreds of energy tariffs on the market so the chances that the company calling you offers the best one are pretty limited. It is worth switching regularly though – but shop around before you do so. Compare energy tariffs with lovemoney.com.

The same goes for phone and broadband – an annual review of what you have and what you pay is a good idea but you should compare all the deals on the market rather than switching to the first company which contacts you. Head to our partner broadbandchoices.co.uk to see which deals are available in your area.

Accident claims and compensation

Remember that car accident you were in? You know, the one where it wasn’t your fault and you hurt your back? About 4% of cold calls are urging you to claim compensation for injuries.

Should you take any notice? No. If you have a car accident you should pursue any injury claims via your insurance company or by employing a solicitor. Employing a third party who will claim a cut of any compensation you receive will see you out of pocket.

Compare car insurance with lovemoney.com.

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