Texting this number could finally put a stop to cold calls
Does anyone want cold calls? (Picture: Getty Images)
Raise your hand if you like to receive cold calls.
Our guess is that almost no one wants to receive calls from a random number, so this information might be of use.
For the first time, mobile phone users can opt out of nuisance calls by text message.
From today, members of the public can text ‘TPS’ followed by their number to 78070.
There's now a really easy way to opt out of cold calls Credit: Getty
Add your number to the ‘do not call’ database of the TPS (Picture: Getty Images)
This ‘text-to-register’ service adds your number to the ‘do not call’ database of the Telephone Preference Service.
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The service can take up to 28 days to become fully effective, but a reduction in unwanted sales and marketing voice calls should be noticeable within a few days.
Organisations cannot legally make unsolicited calls to numbers registered with the TPS unless they have consent.
‘Rogue callers operate illegally and against the interests of ordinary people,’ said John Mitchison, head of the TPS.
‘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 case.’