Avoiding Nuisance calls.

[Orcs]

Sorry If I am telling people stuff they already know .

Can I recommend all forum members register for the Telephone Preference Service. We get a few calls but not many - perhaps 1 a week on average - probably even that. I think they are ones using sequential callers  The longer you are registered (you stay registered unless you ask not to be) the more calls seem to Drop off. 

https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/

It is FREE to register, and you can also register mobiles.  You can also check if your number is registered.

DO NOT get suckered in by the scam callers trying to sell you a similar service, they will tell you they are better etc, but they are a scam.

Tip.
When filling in forms on line for information ( like compare the market) and an email is insisted on even if you do not need an email to get the info use nomail@nomail.com.  It invariably works. Or just get yourself a free email account you never use. 

Likewise online bots will often accept a phone number of sequential numbers . Sometimes you have to use  a proper code for the first bit, but don't worry sequential numbers are not normally given out - Occasionaly they are sold to big business.  eg for an O2 number 07962 123456789 will be accepted by the bots 

[mmcv]

Definitely worthwhile. I signed up a number of years ago when I was getting them all the time and the dropped off. Now would only get a call once in a while, maybe once in a month or two, usually those auto dialer types that start silent then connect if you answer. I usually don't bother answering a call I don't recognise, but occasionally catch me when I'm expecting a call. Usually hang up as soon as I realise, possibly with a explitive...

[John Cook]

Please DO NOT register your number with TPS and this is why. 

The Consumers' Association/Which? found that people who registered their number with TPS actually received twice as many unsolicited calls as those who hadn't, because the most unscrupulous organisations actually use the TPS list as a handy directory!  I removed my number from TPS in 2017 and unsolicited calls reduced by about half.

TPS was also described as not fit for purpose because although it is a legal requirement for organisations not to call a TPS registered number, enforcement is so poor that many ignore it.  TPS also has very limited utility.  It can't block calls using caller ID spoofing, overseas calls,  automatic messages,  silent calls or calls from genuine market research companies.

More effective are one of the call-blocking services offered by major landline providers.  I find BT Call Protect quite effective, though not 100%, and you can add numbers manually that slip through the net.  Some modern landline phones now have inbuilt call blocking facilities and smart-phones have had similar facilities for some time.  These are all much more effective than TPS.

Alternatively you can buy one of the many stand-alone call-blocking devices available.  Which? reviewed them some time ago and some are better than others - essentially, as with most things, you get what you pay for.

The greatest effect on unsolicited calls lately, though, has been COVID 19.  The pandemic has closed call centres such that unsolicited calls have reduced by approximately 60%, so if you've noticed a recent reduction that is the probable cause.  They've dropped off so markedly since March that I can't remember when I last had one.

But, to reiterate, avoid TPS, it is largely a waste of time .

[Techno II]

My calls all seem to come from auto-diallers. 

It's almost as if 'they' pick on an area code and the dialler just keeps cycling around and around for 24 - 48 hours...IIRC 'internet' generated diallers can spit out something ridiculous like 200 calls a second !

I may get some more today....then it SHOULD drop off...and they'll move on to another area code.....Barstewards !

Cheers - Phil (I'm sure I've said before, I'm ex directory AND have TPS.....But those won't stop the auto calls.)

[Steve J]

We're ex-directory and yet get bouts of calls, such as "your Amazon Prime account is due to expire*" etc. After a few weeks they die off only to come back again months later

* We don't have Amazon Prime!

[Raider4]

We're currently getting three/four calls a day, usually silent. If not the current ruse is a recorded "You've missed a call from your internet provider . . .". Don't know how it continues because I hang up there.

TPS does work, for 'legit'* calling companies. Trouble is, most are from abroad. UK rules can't be enforced abroad. Internet/robo dialling is - like email - essentially free, so there's no downside to firing out 200 calls/minute (or a million emails).


* Yes, there are some. You and I may not like it, but there are.

[fred.]

TPS has worked well for us.

We get the odd call - generally from abroad - so outside the scope of TPS. I've also noticed that lots of calls now appear to come from more normal UK numbers, which makes you think they are more likely to be real.

Quite why the providers allow this traffic over their networks - because if they aren't getting paid for it, they are still having to carry it - is surprising.

I did get one on my mobile this week, the 'I understand you have been involved in an accident' type. I was too annoyed to respond with the phrase, which I may well have read here, "Oh you're quick, the fire brigade aren't here yet!"

[Raider4]

Tip.
When filling in forms on line for information ( like compare the market) and an email is insisted on even if you do not need an email to get the info use nomail@nomail.com.  It invariably works. Or just get yourself a free email account you never use. 

Likewise online bots will often accept a phone number of sequential numbers . Sometimes you have to use  a proper code for the first bit, but don't worry sequential numbers are not normally given out - Occasionaly they are sold to big business.  eg for an O2 number 07962 123456789 will be accepted by the bots 

I use 'unknown@thisaddress.com' for filling out online forms that insist on an email address. Occasionally this fails when they send you an email link for whatever it is you're trying to download . . .

If they ask for a phone number they get whatever contact number is on their website.

For a name I usually use either 'Biggus Dickus' or 'John Thomas', depending on the mood.

[Techno II]

 

Cheers - Phil.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Being a very nasty person I tell em to F off Fing crooks  They are so da*m stupid - latest I had was "you have just had a £1100 purcase of an iPhone on your credit card" be difficult as none of my cards have that much avaliable. Note that they did not say which company bit of a give away methinks.

Be careful out there !

[John Cook]

My calls all seem to come from auto-diallers. 

Yes, that's the most common type at the moment but as TPS only deals with live calls it can't stop them.  If you have any of the main telephone providers' call-blocking services or a call-blocker device you can add their number manually to your blocked call list.  But, as they use Caller ID Spoofing or use different numbers even call-blocking is not 100% effective but it is infinitely better than TPS.

The COVID pandemic has been the most effective 'call-blocking service' and has reduced unsolicited calls by individuals to almost nothing.  

Although organisations are required to screen against the TPS Register at least once every 28 days, many don't bother and, as TPS itself admits, "There are thousands of nuisance calls made every day. Some are made by mistake, but others by companies that ignore the law. They intentionally call people who are on the TPS register."  So, being on the TPS Do-Not-Call Register actually increases the chances of unsolicited calls.

[mmcv]

The greatest effect on unsolicited calls lately, though, has been COVID 19.  The pandemic has closed call centres such that unsolicited calls have reduced by approximately 60%, so if you've noticed a recent reduction that is the probable cause.  They've dropped off so markedly since March that I can't remember when I last had one.

Interestingly I've noticed them more this year, though that could just be that I've been more inclined to answer than in previous years due to having to take more calls for various things. I'm of a generation/temperament that prefers to avoid phonecalls where possible  . I don't have a landline, just mobile so the blocking services on that are usually decent enough, and with the caller id you can tell if it's coming from somewhere unexpected to ignore it. I quite often operate by the principle that if it's important they'll leave a message and I can call them back. Unless I'm actively expecting a call.

I have read a few places that scammers are on the rise with the increase of people at home so they're more likely to succeed with such calls. TPS obviously won't handle these as they're outside the bounds of the law.

The best one I ever had was (in a slightly robotic voice): "I'm calling from your bank, who you have banked with for many years. We have noticed an issue with your account and need your account details to verify you are..." Aye right. The scary thing is there are likely some people out there who will fall for that and not see it for what it is.