Stop getting nuisance calls

THERE are some things you can do to stop getting nuisance calls. You shouldn’t get nuisance calls if you didn’t give the caller your number - for example: cold calls for a mis-sold insurance policy such as PPI

The best way to stop nuisance calls is to register your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) – they’ll add you to the list of numbers that don’t want to receive sales and marketing calls. You can also call them on 0345 070 0707. It’s illegal for a company to call numbers registered with the TPS, so registering should scare companies away and stop them bothering you.

The TPS is free and it’s easy to register. You’ll need your phone number, postcode and an email address to sign up on the TPS website. You can also sign up from your mobile by texting ‘TPS’ and your email address to 85095.

If you get nuisance calls after you’ve registered with the TPS, it may be because you gave the caller your number. Tell the caller you don’t want to be contacted again, and they should stop calling you.

You might also still get calls from companies that don’t follow the regulations. You can get advice about companies that ignore the law from the TPS website.

To stop it happening again you should always check any forms that you fill in for tick boxes that say something like “I give permission for third parties to contact me by phone” or “I give you permission to contact me by phone”. Don’t tick the boxes if you don’t want to be contacted.

There are products to block some calls but be careful they don’t also block calls you want. Ask your phone provider if they have a service to block some numbers, or you can install a call blocking device on your phone yourself.

Ofcom has information about the different services your phone provider may have to tackle nuisance calls.

Scams usually involve people being tricked into giving money.

If you think a caller is trying to run a scam, you should report it to Actionfraud.

If you’ve given your number to a company in the past they may send you texts. You can tell them to stop texts by replying ‘STOP’ to the text. Only reply with ‘STOP’ if the sender tells you who they are in the text or they’re identified in the sent-from number. If you don’t recognise the sender of a nuisance text or it’s from an unknown number, don’t reply. This will let the sender know you’re number is active and they may send you more texts or call you.

If someone’s still bothering you 28 days after registering, then report them to the

TPS. Registering won’t stop you getting nuisance texts. Forward the text to 7726 - this spells ‘SPAM’ on your phone keypad. This will report the sender to your mobile network company. You won’t be charged for forwarding a text to 7726.

Reporting nuisance calls or texts also helps regulators track down who’s making them. You’re under no obligation to do this, but it’s quick and easy, and it’ll help more people in the long run.

You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www. citizensadvicewokingham.org. uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel:

0300 330 1189. email: public@ citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk