Stop telephone harrassment with one sentence.

[caro]

Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to stop sales calls. It takes a while but it works. It can be done online at TPS Registration

[seylectric]

The only problem with the TPS service is that it only works with companies who abide by the rules; those who do not still continue to call you anyway and that includes a lot of DCAs!

 

However it might save you a bit of money - you get free caller display from BT if you register with TPS.

[buzby]

- you get free caller display from BT if you register with TPS.

 

Sadly, not quite. If you sign up for the BT's Privacy scheme, they'll forward your details onto the TPS for adding to their database, however whilst this service used to be free, there are a number of caveats that were introduced on 1st October - if the line with the free CLI does not make at leasr 2-3 chargeable calls each month, the evil critters will then charge for the service. Hardly playing fair so soon after its introduction! (As a 'caring' service provider).

[seylectric]

Oh, they do, do they?

 

I only knew about this because they told me just a couple of days ago when I phoned them about cancelling some of the services I don't use on my account. Their words were, literally, "You get caller display free if you sign up with TPS". No conditions were mentioned!

 

As it happens I don't make ANY outgoing calls EVER; I have more free mobile phone credit that I can ever use so there is no point in me making outgoing calls from the landline, in fact I wouldn't even bother with a landline if it wasn't necessary for my broadband connection.

 

I'm a bit cheesed off that I have to pay line rental for a service I don't really need to be honest. I did ask about the light user scheme but I'm not entitled to that for some reason or other, again possibly because I have broadband on the line.

[buzby]

Absolutely - it was a very sneaky change, and is listed in the small print of the BT Update booklet sent in bills from July 2006, so it was easy to miss. I don't make outgoing calls either on this line, but now I make 1 call on the 1st of each month, and the charge is avoided!

[gaz2006]

cant find which phone pays you something on the site can you give me more guidence seyelectric regards Gary

[buzby]

A number of firms offer these numbers. I understood CAG was looking into offering these via Flextel and perhaps taking a small commission on the introduction. Until this happens, take a look at https://www.flextel.ltd.uk/cgi-bin/secure.sh

[Zamzara]

Natwest sales staff are unbelievably stupid about this.

 

Last time they called me (probbaly to offer me some rip-off account insurance), they first asked me to confirm my dob etc to prove my identity. Me: "No, I'm not going to do that, because you could be anyone."

So her response was "I can give you any information you want about your account to prove I'm really from Natwest." Nice one: you don't believe I'm really me, but you will give me private details anyway to confirm my identity.

[sillygirl1]

My tactic with phone calls from DCA's is to state at the beginning that I am recording the call, then confirm my details and ask for theirs (including the name of their data controller....) I've had one particular company put the phone down immediately - and call back 15 minutes later to which they get the same treatment.

[Joa]

When I'm asked for a DoB I ask why, are they going to arrange a surprise party? When they say no, that's when I register disappointment... THEN hang up!

- love that one, buzby, not heard it before, despite collecting, printing and hanging few of those by the phone:D .

[Tigs33]

I am having problems with Sainsburys at the moment, who failing to supply my agreement under the CCA have now resorted to phoning me numberous times within the space of a day. I refuse to give out any personal details and tell them if they want to contact me write to me, obviously something they do not want to do.

 

The harrassment letter is going to be sent to them tomorrow

[delboytrotter]

Next time you get a call try this,

They call you, you answer, they ask hello can i speak to Mr whoeva and you say, please wait while i connect my remote call recording equipment, (shuffle about for 20 seconds) then say ok, this call sibeing recorded can you please state you NAME, ADDRESS, POSTCODE, DOB, MOTHERs MAIDEN NAME loud and clear please

When they say what! just politely ask them again, keep repeating until they give up. as i am sure there is no way in heck they will give you any of that details over the phone, so why should you

Good luck