How to stop PPI, sales, nuisance calls?

[shivvy]

My father has been receiving a lot of unsolicited calls which I would like to block if possible. The calls are varied e.g. about PPI, or phone providers, or trying to sell him products etc and he has already been diddled into paying to have his vacuum serviced (which it didn't need).
Many of the calls show up on the phone as 'Unavailable' or 'International'.

Is there some way that I can put a block on these types of calls even though they come from numerous different sources?

Thanks.

[factor-fiction]

Registering with TPS (telephone preference service is easy to do online and does help. However I don't think it prevents overseas callers from ringing.

[2sp_]

Try this site -

http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/index.html

It doesn't cover international callers though, but should cut it down a bit. I just don't answer calls from international numbers.

[rockyracoon]

If they're international there's little you can do. Make sure his number is registered with TPS.http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ctps/number_t
ype.html


It may stop the domestic calls and costs nothing.

[Zeuhl]

Not really

Bit if he had a phone with caller id function and programmed with friends and family and trusted numbers he could at least only answer calls that are recognised.

[shivvy]

Thanks everyone. I saw TPS when I was googling about it but didn't know if they were genuine or not! I will register with them and at least that might stop the domestic calls.
My Dad is 82 and would be quite vulnerable to sales calls (even though he wouldn't like to admit it). I was with him when he got a call last week and he was going to let some salesman call round because he was offered a free pillow and it would "pass a bit of time". Exactly what unscrupulous sales people are after.
Thank again.

[shivvy]

I tried to register him with TPS but he is already registered. (I remember doing something a few years ago so I must have registered him back then).
But surely he shouldn't be receiving UK calls if he is registered?

[Zeuhl]

TPS is self regulation

The more responsible and 'on the ball' operators will run files against it but that doesn't stop others.

[yogasun]

I'm TPS and get lots of calls, but it's true, they are mostly international.

[hellywelly4]

I get calls which are named 'International' or 'out of area', and I just don't answer them. They seem to have stopped just lately. I think if they are answered then those callers know it's a real person. If you can stop him answering them then that should stop the nuisance. I know it's difficult with older people because they are so trusting.

[sometimesit]

The only way to stop these calls is to spend time talking to the caller to id who they are. Then you can write and request that they stop calling you. That will stop 95% of the calls that the TPS don't stop then companies that you dealings with you should make sure that you are opted out of 3rd party marketing by and methods. This does take time but if you make a list and strike them off as you do each one then the calls will stop.
If you get addressed junk mail your name on it then you can also write and get taken off the list. Finally you could also get call barring enabled to stop the numbers blocked and your number needs to be ex directory and not published. Don't put give out your number to companies without asking if it will be added to a database.

[factor-fiction]

Is it worth changing his number or cancelling his home phone and getting a mobile?

[Gizmonster]

When I registered with the TPS, it cut down my cold calls a lot.

With regards to international calls, I'm fairly sure it makes no difference - all that matters, is where their company is based. So for example, if you got an unsolicited call from Barclays, from a call center in India, then they could get in trouble, as the company that they are calling on behalf of, are based in the UK.
If anyone does phone, ask them where they got your number from, as you're registered with the TPS and they shouldn't be ringing you. You'll be surprised how many people hang up and don't call back.

[Zeuhl]

Yes Giz

but then they trade the number with someone else who calls

[shivvy]

Thanks everyone.

I will take your advice sometimesit.

[Mosaic]

They are always welcome to share Radio 4 with me.
Or listen to why I love Jesus.

[sunny-dave]

Depending on who your phone supplier is, it may be possible to bar all incoming calls which do not have a correct UK caller id - (BT and talktalk certainly offer this service). This would stop all incoming international and anonymous calls.

The only snag is that some 'official' callers withhold their id - check with your GP surgery in particular if you need to receive calls from them.

[Gizmonster]

We're with Virgin Media and have "anonymous call-barring."
Anyone ringing me and with-holding their number, gets the message, "sorry your call has not been accepted - anonymous call barring is in operation."
My dad's phone used to automatically with-hold his number - but there's a way round it. My dad used to dial 1470 before my number - this would allow him to call me, as it wouldnt with-hold his number.
Most companies, such as solicitors, doctors, etc are hopefully aware of this - if not, then make them aware that they need to dial 1470 (don't get confused with 1471 - that's something different) before your number.

[Electrochem]

You could get one of these:

http://www.truecall.co.uk/

[Gizmonster]

Electrochem, I like the look of the that, but have you seen the price ............... £99.99 !!!!!!!!

[stevie m]

tell ppi callers in mid-flow that you have never had a loan or HP agreements and that you pay off your credit card in full every month, 99%always say a quick goodbye