Five types of unwanted calls – and what to do about them

It happens to all of us. Our phone rings, with either an unknown number or a number that we don’t recognise. After a moment’s hesitation we decide to answer – just in case it’s something important. Only to be subject to some kind of unwanted call. But what is the best thing to do next?

In this article we take a quick look at five different types of unwanted calls, and how to deal with them:

• Sales calls
• Scam calls
• Market research calls
• Silent calls
• Recorded messages

Sales calls

If your unwanted call is from someone trying to sell you something, and you have not previously consented to them contacting you, the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) should be able to help. 

The TPS is a UK-wide ’‘Do Not Call’ database for both landlines and mobile numbers. All you need to do is register your number with the TPS and it will be added to the database. Sales and marketing companies are obliged to check the register before making unsolicited calls, so the number should reduce and hopefully stop altogether.

If you do receive an unsolicited call to a number that has been registered with the TPS for at least 28 days, you can complain to the TPS and they will investigate the company.

You can register with the TPS either online or by text. Registration is free. 

If you want to check whether you are already registered you can do so on the TPS website.

Scam calls

Another very common type of call is a scam call where the caller pretends to be someone they are not. The aim is to try and get either personal details or money from you. 

One typical example would be a caller pretending to be from your bank, advising you either to move money into a new account or return your card to the bank for security reasons. Another example is a caller pretending to be from your broadband supplier, calling to discuss a problem with your network. Or they may pretend to be from a brand new financial company and persuade you that investing with them is a great way to save money.

These calls are not covered by the TPS. So what can you do?

The best thing to do is to hang up the call. If you are worried the call might actually have been genuine, then phone your bank or broadband supplier on their normal number to check. But it is best either to wait for at least 20 minutes before doing this, or use a different phone, because some scammers can keep phone lines open. You may think you are through to your real provider but still be on the line with the scammer.

Another way to contact your bank is to dial 159. This is a short-code phone service that should be able to connect you safely and securely to your bank if you have just received an unexpected or suspicious call. And you do not need to wait 20 minutes before dialling 159, as it clears the line from any existing call.

In all the above cases if you have any useful information about the caller, you can also report it to Action Fraud either by calling 0300 123 2040 or online at Action Fraud. And if you feel in any way threatened, you can call the police on 101 or text them on 1800 101.

Market research calls

Market research calls – where you are asked your opinion about various products and services – are not covered by the TPS. However, you can tell the company that you don’t want to participate and not to contact you again. If the company keeps bothering you, you can contact the Market Research Society on 020 7490 4911 or online at www.mrs.org.uk

However, if you believe the call was actually intended to sell you something rather than just get your opinions, you can still complain to the TPS. 

Silent calls

Some people are also troubled by silent calls, when they pick up the phone but no-one seems to be there. Again, the best thing to do is to hang up, but if you have reason to believe that it is some kind of scam, then report it to Action Fraud as above, and if you feel threatened, call the police.

Recorded messages

Another kind of unwanted call is when you pick up the phone and a recorded message starts to play. If it is a company that you have not had previous dealings with and you don’t want the messages, you can complain directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office by calling 0303 123 1113 or online at https://ico.org.uk/concerns/marketing/.

We hope that the information in this article helps you to save money by claiming tax relief on your home working expenses if you are eligible to do so.

Do visit us here again soon for more financial and lifestyle tips from Loans 2 Go.