Mobile users can protect from unwanted calls with the TPS ‘text-to-register’ service

The TPS, or telephone preference service, has a new way to protect mobile users

Mobile users can text ‘TPS’ along with their email address to the number 78070 in order to register for the service that prevents so-called ‘nuisance calls’ or unwanted sales and marketing voice calls to their mobiles.

Research conducted by Ofcom found amongst those aware of the TPS, only 48% knew about the service for mobile users compared with 88% who were familiar with the landline service. This means fewer people in the UK are taking steps to prevent unsolicited calls to their mobile phones.

Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom Consumer Group Director, said:

“Many millions of landline customers already take advantage of the protection the TPS gives against nuisance calls, and we want to ensure it’s as easy as possible for mobile users to do the same. We encourage anyone who wants to reduce the number of frustrating and unwanted calls to their mobile phone to register with the TPS today.”

The new service from TPS, run in conjunction with Ofcom, will help safeguard mobile users from rogue callers and those who operate illegally. The TPS is a database of numbers for which it is illegal for organisations to make unsolicited calls without consent.

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.”

Protecting against unwanted calls

Ofcom has the following tips to help protect against nuisance calls:

1. Be careful who you give your contact details to, whether it’s online, on the phone, or in person.
2. Look carefully at any marketing ‘opt-in’ and ‘opt-out’ boxes. These boxes are often buried in the small print. If you don’t pay attention to them, you could find yourself inadvertently agreeing to be contacted by companies you don’t recognise.
3. If someone rings and asks for financial information over the phone, such as your account details or PIN number, don’t provide it.
4. Talk to your phone provider to see what privacy services are available, and consider a call-blocker – though be aware, you may need to pay for these services.
5. If you receive a nuisance call or message, make a complaint. Complaint information helps regulators take action against companies acting unlawfully. If the call is a live telesales call, an automated marketing message, or a spam text message, complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office. You can report spam texts to your mobile network operator by simply forwarding the text to 7726. If you receive a silent or abandoned call, complain to Ofcom.

Office Phone Shop is a full-service telecoms provider and supplier of business communications solutions. For any advice on the issues discussed here, please feel free to contact us.