Texts no Aussie wants to receive

AUSSIES are being bombarded by unsolicited calls and texts, with a majority wanting more control over the communications they receive from businesses, a new survey reveals.

A staggering 98 per cent of Australians received some form of unsolicited communication in the six months leading up to an Australian Communications and Media Authority commissioned survey.

Scams were the most common type of unsolicited communication, followed by marketing by businesses.

The contact came in the form of phone calls (85 per cent), emails (72 per cent) and texts (71 per cent).

And a third of respondents said receiving those calls made them feel anxious, distressed or vulnerable.

The research released on Tuesday reveals a majority of Aussies – 72 per cent – would like more control over how their data is used by businesses to contact them.

Only one in 10 felt they always have control over how their information is used by business to sell or promote something.

Informed consent is also rarely obtained, with fewer than six in 10 saying they were asked in the 12 months before the survey if they agreed to receive marketing communications. Only a quarter reported always being provided the terms and conditions of marketing contact.

TO COMPLAIN ABOUT UNSOLICITED COMMUNICATIONS

* To list your number on the Do Not Call Register, or make a complaint about unlawful telemarketing, visit donotcall.gov.au or call 1300 792 958.

* To report unlawful marketing emails or SMS visit acma.gov.au/spam

* To report a scam, visit scamwatch.gov.au

* For information on how to spot – and stop – phone scams visit acma.gov.au/ scams