Bombarded with nuisance calls? Don’t put up with it.

Nuisance or sales calls to residential homes is one of Britain’s biggest sources of complaints and the problem was highlighted again in a recent case, when Brighton based Prodial Ltd was fined £350,000 by the Information Commissioner for making 46 million automated nuisance calls.

Whilst this case highlights the issue, it doesn’t mean an end to the problem as companies are entitled to use automated calls to sell services but only to people who have consented to being contacted in the first place. One of the problems is the way in which individuals grant consent without actually realising they have done so, as all too often, individuals “opt in” to join mailing and marketing lists.

Help is at hand however, with a number of steps individuals can take to protecting themselves from receiving the dreaded nuisance call. Ensuring you are registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and the Mail Preference Scheme (MPS) is a good place to start. Registration is completing free and can be done at the TPS website and the MPS website

There are also a number of practical hints and tips to be aware of that can limit your exposure to nuisance calls and Which have compiled a useful checklist.

The final thing to remember is that, as a consumer, you do have some rights if you buy something from a cold-caller under the Distance Selling Regulations that usually entitles you to change your mind and return a product within seven days of receiving the item.

For information or advice please contact Simon Landivar, a solicitor in our Private Client team at our Brighton & Hove office on 01273 329797 or via email Simonlandivar@rixandkay.co.uk