Nuisance Calls

[Caran]

I spoke too soon about them stopping! This morning the phone rang, I was upstairs and that phone doesn't have caller display so I answered it. It was Indian Michael, said he wasn't trying to sell me anything. I told him I am registered with TPS and remove my number from his list. He said he couldn't do that. I told him again do it. He tried to tell me he was the TPS and he couldn't remove my name. I told him again remove it or I will report you. He actually shouted very loudly saying why don't you listen to me woman! I hung up.
Later I did 1471 and got the number it was 01249872547. They are a survey company. I must admit I would probably have answered this as the number looks a proper land line, so watch out folks.

[Buenchico]

The TPS rules only apply to unsolicited sales calls. Survey organisations aren't covered by them.

That can be beneficial as it means that, for example, political pollsters can assess the mood of the nation or the Office of National Statistics or the National Crime survey can call a random sample of people to obtaion data or (as with the National Crime Survey) to make an appointment for a data collector to call at their homes.

However the gap in the rules is also used by some 'survey' companies who are actually just collecting details from you in order that you might be bombarded with more phone calls (and/or emails and/or mailshots) from other firms and organisations. Even some quite respectable charities use their services so that, for example, if you tell the survey firm that you might respond positively to a call to support wildlife you'll get calls asking you to donate to a relevant charity.

[woofgang]

i just dont answer the phone unless i know who the call is from or am expectng someone to call who is not on my caller id. I think that the answerphone is one of the best modern inventions.

[sherrardk]

I have TPS but still get nuisance calls - some start with my local dialling code but when I google them they are actually cold callers from miles away.

[Caran]

My nuisance calls had stopped for nearly two weeks. I thought it was too good to be true. But this little oick today was so rude! I always look at the number and if it seems odd do not answer it.

[ducksie]

I've just unplugged my landline from socket, so sick of them at this stage- most people ring or text my mobile now I'm gonna just inform my telecom provider I no longer wish to avail of their services in the new year - they'll love me :(

[zebo]

I find TPS good at screening out cold callers, except for those representing BT! For rude cold-callers like this, keep a very loud histle to hand, the best used to be the Acme Thunderer!

[BlackadderV]

// I think that the answerphone is one of the best modern inventions.//

Couldn't agree more. I have noticed recently that when the answer phone kicks in they automatically hang up at the other end.

[DaisyNonna]

I never answer calls that have number withheld or out of area

[ducksie]

yes, I have answerphone and they hung up, my friend bought this, I don't know has it worked for him yet, but looks good..I need to get back and ask him has he set it up and is it working Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Ouzel]

My answering machine is on permanently - the TPS doesn't stop calls from overseas.

[Caran]

My answer phone also is on permanently. They never leave a message though.

[ducksie]

It's only the last 4 days I've unplugged my phone, as ye say, they never leave a message on answerphone, I'm fed up of them now

[Ouzel]

The only messages that are left on mine are the 'I'm ringing to make you aware of' window/kitchen/boiler scrappage schemes (recorded messages).

[BlackadderV]

The only ones which leave a message are the automatically generated calls urging me to buy a new boiler under some government scheme or other.

[bunkmoreland]

Our phone is on "silent" permanently. Anyone that knows us contacts us by our mobiles,and the landline is only used to call "out",as it's much cheaper than mobiles.

[BlackadderV]

I also have the option of setting ring volume to 0, so the phone does not actually ring but genuine callers can still get through to leave a message.

[DaisyNonna]

Fed up of 'important' bank messages.

[Ann]

Yes Caran I got a foreign sounding caller doing a survey this morning and it was from a local number (Leicester) I think they are ringing from abroad but have found a way to get calls to record a UK number to fool the Telephone Preference Service who can't screen out International calls.

[Ann]

I also had one this afternoon which actually made me laugh (but annoyed me too as I was interrupted doing something) I picked it up and all I heard was "Goodbye! - It was said in the same tone of voice as Anne Robinson says "you are the weakest link - Goodbye!" GRRRR I said!!!

[ducksie]

Ann!! I got one of those - I couldn't stop laughing at the 'goodbye'