As your mobile rings, do you sigh with annoyance when you realise it’s from a stranger who only wants to sell you a product or service?
If you find that your mobile phone is inundated with sales calls, you may wonder how this has happened.
But rather than dwelling on the problem, there is a quick-fix solution to stop the unwanted calls.
According to Which UK, you can stop spam calls by doing one simple thing that “only takes a few seconds”.
Posting on Instagram, Which UK recommends you to register your mobile or telephone number to the Telephone Preference Service.
“It only takes a few seconds on [the Telephone Preference Service] website,” the audio clip said.
“Or text TPS and your email address to 85095, or call 0345 070 0707.”
After 28 days of sharing your details with the Telephone Preference Service, it will be illegal for legitimate UK and EU companies to cold call you when you haven’t opted in.
This hack, however, won’t stop automated spam calls or dodgy businesses trying to contact you.
But these calls can be reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
“If you get a silent call, where you pick up the phone and hear nothing at the other end… report it to Ofcom,” Which UK added.
Unwanted phone calls on your home phone can be blocked by contacting your phone provider.
Many offer free services to block cold calls, such as BT’s Call Protect and the Sky Talk Shield.
“And on your mobile, it’s really easy to block any spam numbers,” said Which UK.
Android mobiles
- Phone app
- More call history
- Select number
- Block/report spam
Apple mobiles
- Phone app
- Recents
- Select number
- Block this caller
When filling out any future forms, to help decrease the number of dodgy calls you might get, be sure to be vigilant.
Do untick any box that asks for your permission to pass on your details to third parties.
