Cold callers can be a menace, but here are 10 ways to ensure you never pick up the phone to them again.
Picking up the phone to a cold caller can be an irritating and sometimes upsetting experience. But you don't have to put up with them.
Here are 10 ways to hang up on them for good.
1. Register for the Telephone Preference Service
The Telephone Preference Service is the official opt-out register for unsolicited sales and marketing calls. Charities, voluntary organisations and political parties aren’t allowed to phone you if you've registered with the TPS, unless you’ve given them permission to do so.
2. Go ex-directory
If you go ex-directory your phone number will be taken out of the physical phone book and directory enquiry lists.
3. Buy a call blocking device
Consider a call blocker phone such as BT's 8500 Advanced Call Blocker range. They allow you to screen calls and block up to 1,000 numbers.
4. Keep your name off sales call lists
When you sign up to a new service, whether it's a broadband provider or just a newsletter mailing list, ask the company not to contact you or pass your details on to third parties.
If there’s a tick box stating that you don’t want to be contacted, follow the instructions carefully. If it doesn’t, ask the company directly.
[Related story: Why ignoring the Household Enquiry Form could cost you big]
5. Tick the right boxes
And on that note, make sure you tick (or don’t tick) the correct boxes! It can make a huge difference. Be especially wary if you’re asked to tick one box but not another on the same page to opt-out.
6. Screen calls
Only answer calls from numbers that you recognise. The important ones will leave a message anyway.
7. Bar unwanted calls
Your provider may be able to block calls from international numbers and withheld numbers, though there may be an extra charge for this.
8. Report cold callers
Report TPS rule breaches to the TPS. It’ll pass on the information to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which can take action. If you think it’s a scam, report it to Action Fraud.
For silent calls, contact either your network provider or Ofcom.
[Related story: Warning about new driving licence scam email]
9. Write to the company
If your cold caller just won’t back down, formally tell them that you don’t want them to call you anymore.
The best way to go is in writing because you’ll have a record of your complaint.
10. Don’t reply to strange marketing texts
If you instantly reply to a marketing text with the word ‘STOP’ you may be doing it wrong. You’re letting the company know that they’ve contacted a valid number, leaving you wide open to cold calls.
For numbers that you don’t recognise it’s best to forward them on to your network provider on 7726.
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