Junk mail, cold callers and telemarketing

Last Updated: 01.12.2010

Somehow, someway we all seem to get our names and addresses onto mailing lists or our telephone numbers onto cold-call lists, or are paid a visit by doorstep sellers at some point in time.

Here are some tips to try and help you stop unwanted calls and mail.

How to stop junk mail

Junk mail is unsolicited advertisements and offers which come through the post.

Under government regulation it is illegal for UK companies to call any individual who has indicated they don't want the calls. To do this you simply join the telephone preference service register, it takes about 28 days after registering for all to be stopped.

• Web: TPSOnline
  (you can also do the Mail Preference Service (see below) at the same time on the StayPrivate website.
• Phone: 0800 398 893

Stopping silent calls

If you're getting silent calls, which can be generated by automatic dialling equipment in call centres, you can register with the Silent Callguard Service, but you need to renew every 12 months.

If the calls continue, you can complain to Ofcom, here's what to do:

Step 1: After the call dial 1471 and see if you can get the number.
Step 2: If the number is withheld, note the time & date of the call and contact your provider's nuisance call department, eg, BT's Nuisance Call Advice Line.
Step 3: Complain to Ofcom online.

Ofcom can fine the company up to £2m (was previously £50K) if it sees fit - the money goes to the treasury, Ofcom doesn't give compensation.

From 1 Feb 2011, Ofcom will introduce new rules which mean companies using automatic diallers will only be able to call once a day if there's no agent to complete the call. This includes all call centres, not just sales teams.

How to stop unwanted mail

Addressed mail through the post

All members of the Direct Marketing Association agree to a Code of Practice not to send junk mail to any individual who has indicated they don't want it. To stop the junk you simply join the mail preference service register, it takes up to 4 months for the Service to have full effect although you should notice a reduction of the mail before that period.

• Web: The easiest (and cheapest way) is MPSOnline
• Phone: 0845 703 4599

Unaddressed leaflets and mail

The other common types of junk are leaflets, flyers and other unaddressed post which is delivered by the Royal Mail. It's possible to opt out of this too, although it does affect all unaddressed items as Royal Mail is not able to know which items are wanted and which are not. It takes about 6 weeks for the items to stop being delivered and may only last for six months.

• Post: Freepost RRBT-ZBXB-TTTS, Royal Mail Door to Door Opt Out, Kingsmead House, Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1RX
• Email: optout@royalmail.com and you'll then be sent a form
• Web Details: Door to Door opt out

How to stop cold callers

There’s nothing more frustrating than people knocking on your door when you don’t want to be sold things. First remember you don't have to let them in, but there are more protections too.

Energy salesmen must obey ‘no cold caller signs’

Energy sales people are rife, promising to save you money, yet it's the worse way to switch.

However in May 2010, after pressure from Consumer Focus & Trading Standards, the big six energy companies agreed that their sales people would not knock on doors with 'no cold caller' signs.

On 1 Oct this officially became part of the EnergySure Code of Practice, though the policy was already active, with this new term:

7.4.3 (b) not call on any premises where there is a message prominently displayed in the form of a visible, clearly worded and unambiguous notice indicating that a consumer does not wish to receive uninvited doorstep sales callers.

Doorstep selling

Doorstep selling is where someone calls at your home and tries to sell you goods or services. You should be on your guard. Some salesmen are reliable but others are not and you need to be able to tell the difference.

Doorstep selling is not against the law and if you buy anything, the normal consumer protection laws apply. What you buy must be of satisfactory quality and fit for any specified purpose. It must also be as described.

Consumers also have extra protection under the Doorstep Selling Regulations. These are the rules protecting consumers who buy from sellers who call on them in their homes. Their full title is the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008.

It is also worth bearing in mind that under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 it is now an offence for a salesperson to ignore a consumer's request to leave their home.

Tips to protect against any door to door seller

• You have a 7 day cooling off period.
• Remember you don't have to let them in.
• Ask to see the salesperson's official ID and find out exactly where they're from.
• Don't sign anything even if they're only offering a quote.
• A trader must advise you in writing that you can cancel any contract, if they don't they can't hold you to anything in the contract.