Getting sales calls? How to cut them down in the UK
In short
- Register your landline or mobile with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), free, at tpsonline.org.uk.
- Allow up to 28 days for it to work. From a mobile you can also text “TPS” and your email to 85095.
- Calls that keep coming after that can be reported to the ICO; scams go to Report Fraud.
Give your number to enough sites and it ends up on marketing lists. In the UK, a free register tells companies to stop calling.
Register with the TPS
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) advises registering your landline or mobile with the Telephone Preference Service, free, at tpsonline.org.uk. Allow up to 28 days. From a mobile, you can text “TPS” and your email address to 85095, at no charge.
What it covers
- Live marketing calls from a person. Companies have to check the register at least every 28 days.
- It doesn’t cancel permission you’ve already given a company: tell that company to stop.
- Non-sales calls, such as market research or service calls, are still allowed.
If calls keep coming
Report them to the ICO online. The ICO says to send fraud and scams to Report Fraud, or Police Scotland, and silent or abandoned calls to Ofcom. Your network may also offer call blocking. In the US, the equivalent register is the National Do Not Call Registry.
Fewer lists in the first place
Every sign-up that keeps your number is another list it can end up on. For one-off sign-ups, a one-time number from ReserveSMS keeps your own off them; ours start at $1. See keeping your number private.
Common questions
Is the Telephone Preference Service free?
Yes. Registering a landline or mobile with the TPS is free, at tpsonline.org.uk.
How long does TPS registration take to work?
Allow up to 28 days. Companies have to check the register at least every 28 days.
Does the TPS stop all calls?
No. It covers live marketing calls. It doesn’t stop companies you’ve given permission to, or non-sales calls such as market research.