Fundraising Preference Service promises to stop charity mail, calls, emails and texts

The Fundraising Preference Service aims to put an end to 'junk' mail from charities. Will it actually work?

A new service is being introduced to stem the flow of chariy 'junk' mail coming through your letterbox.

The Fundraising Preference Service (FPS), which launches on 6 July, will let you choose the charities that you want to cut ties with. 

How does it work?

In most cases, you’ll sign up for the FPS through its website, but you can also phone on 0300 3033 517.   

You can enter up to three charity names or charity commission numbers, which will then be blocked from sending letters through your front door as well as calling a halt to emails, phone calls and/or text messages.

If you want to submit any more, you’ll have to submit separate requests, which is a bit of a pain.  

Enter your name along with the relevant contact information so that you’ll be matched with the charity’s records which is secure and confidential. You’ll receive a reference code shortly afterwards.

Your details will be removed from their marketing lists within 28 days.

Will the emails, letters and texts will stop altogether?

Not exactly.

It will only stop ‘direct marketing communications’, which includes fundraising material along with anything to promote the aims and ideals of the charity.

A charity might still get in touch with you if you have existing gifts, standing orders or retail purchases to process or if you have some other form of contact with them, like a magazine subscription.

As you’d expect, there is a substantial loophole. Charities can still send you mail which doesn’t have your name on it – rather, it’s addressed to a ‘householder’.

How much the FPS will actually curb charity letters remains to be seen. If nothing else, it'll make junk mail easier to spot as it won't have your name on it.

The only communication that the FPS doesn’t apply to is door-to-door fundraising.

How do I put a stop to nuisance contacts?

Despite being around for 20 years, the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) isn’t that well-known.  

It allows you to have your name and home address removed from industry lists. Sign up by phoning 0207 291 3310 or visiting the MPS website.

The Royal Mail’s Door-to-Door Opt-Out stops unsolicited or unaddressed mail delivered by post. Either fill in the online form or call 0345 266 0858 to make a request.

Of course, to curb those unwanted calls you can sign up to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) by visiting the TPS website or ringing 0800 328 1572 from your home phone and following the instructions.

Find out more about these services in this hange guide to stopping junk mail, spam and unwanted telephone calls.

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