A Single Text is All it Takes to Stop Unwanted Sales Calls

[Boycie]

We all hate receiving cold calls, especially when you're busy and the person on the other end of the phone is trying to sell you some nonsense that nobody needs. Now Ofcom and the Telephone Preference Service are making easier for you to avoid such calls, and all you need to do is send a text message.

 

With the new 'text-to-register' option, all you need to do is type 'TPS' followed by your email address to 78070. Once accepted you'll be put on the UK's official no-call database, which bans companies from calling you with unsolicited sales pitches. According to Ofcom the only reason it needs your email address is to verify your identity should you need to make any complaints.

 

This option follows rules implemented last month that prevents cold callers from withholding their numbers.

 

In the past you could sign up for TPS online, or by phoning up, but as it turns out very few people have actually done that. According to Ofcom, less than half the people who were familiar with the service knew that mobile numbers could be signed up to the service. That's compared to 9 out of 10 people who knew they could add landlines. The new text-to-register option should help promote awareness of this.

 

If only it could stop all those spam calls from such obviously fake companies. I'm tired of picking up the phone and hearing "so I heard you was in a car accident?" At least this is progress.

[Minty]

Got charged 8p by o2 for this text lol!!!