The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and Ofcom have introduced a new text message service that lets UK mobile users opt out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing calls.
Mobile phone users can simply text ‘TPS’ and their email address to 78070. (Most users will have a standard text message deducted from their ‘bundle’, although some may be charged a standard message rate.) Their mobile number will then be added to the UK's official ‘do not call’ database, leading to a reduction in unwanted calls.
It is illegal for organisations to make unsolicited sales and marketing calls to any telephone number that’s been registered with the TPS unless the owner has given their consent. Earlier this year a company was fined £350,000 for making unsolicited calls about PPI claims.
John Mitchison, Head of the Telephone Preference Service, said “Rogue callers operate illegally and against the interests of ordinary people. Texting will make it easier for people to register their mobile numbers on the TPS, which is the only official no-call list, and help us stamp out rogue callers once and for all by giving the Information Commissioner more ammunition to prosecute these cases.”
[Ofcom guide for consumers]