AND IF YOU WANT TO GET SERIOUS

HIDE YOUR NUMBER: If it’s in the phone book, you are more likely to be cold-called. Ask your phone company about going ex-directory. They will take you off electronic and printed phone registers for no charge.

SAY NO TO MARKETING: The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) holds a list which, if you’re on it, bans firms from calling you about their services. To register, ring 0345 070 0707 or visit tpson

line.org. uk. Legally, firms must check to see if your number is registered before calling you. Once you’ve signed up, it takes 28 days for calls to stop. If a firm still rings you, the TPS will report it to the Information Commissioner, which can fine it up to £500,000.

But the TPS won’t block all calls. You may still be called by rogue firms that use computers to dial numbers at random. Calls from overseas will probably get through, too, but try asking your phone operator to block calls from international numbers.

DON’T GIVE YOUR NUMBER: On paper or online, don’t tick any box ‘to receive details of further promotions’ and give your number, or your details may be sold on to telemarketers. If a form insists on one, enter 0333 88 88 88 88. This diverts any cold caller to a free call-block firm, Truecall38.

PAID-FOR BLOCKING: One way is to get a service that lets you see the caller’s number, so if you don’t recognise it, you can ignore it (you’ll need a digital display phone).

Call-blocking devices costing from £40 will only let through friends and family whose numbers you save on your phone. Ironically, you should be cautious about anyone who rings up to sell such gadgets.