The Mail on Sunday

How you can block out the menace

-

GO ex-directory. Contact your landline provider and request your number be removed from public view.

ASK your phone provider what callblocki­ng services it provides. BT Call Protect, Sky Talk Shield and TalkTalk’s CallSafe are all free for customers.

REGISTER with the telephone preference service. Visit tpsonline.org.uk.

LOOK for ‘tick-boxes’. When signing forms to receive deals or buy products, look for checkboxes in the small print that ask for a tick to opt in, or require a tick to opt out. This is consent to be contacted by that company and, potentiall­y, other third parties.

DOWNLOAD a call-blocking app for mobile phones. Examples include Truecaller and Mr Number. People with the latest iPhones – those with iOS 13 or later – can ‘silence unknown callers’.

REPORT nuisance calls and texts to the Informatio­n Commission­er’s Office at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/. Report silent or abandoned calls to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk/complaints. Forward junk text messages on to 7726 for free. These are reported to your network provider.

BUY a call blocker. Examples include trueCall and CPR Call Blocker. TrueCall’s Secure model is £120 to buy – but family members can screen callers to the landline of a vulnerable relative, only letting approved numbers filter through. Optional online management of the service is £25 a year with the first year free.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom