Andrew has welcomed new rules which require cold callers to display numbers when calling and face stronger penalties for nuisance calls.
Under the new rules, which are intended to crack down on nuisance calls and come into force next month, direct marketing companies must display their numbers so that those they call are able to block them or report nuisance calls to the Information Commissioner.
The rules will apply even when the company's call centres are based abroad and mean nuisance callers face stronger penalties and investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Companies that make nuisance calls risk fines of up to £2 million, and could face a further £500,000 fine from the ICO if they continue to undertake these calls.
This latest move follows news that a substantial number of fines, totalling £895,000, have been issued so far by the ICO for nuisance calls. In 2015, this Government made it easier to fine nuisance callers by removing the need for consumers to prove that unwanted marketing calls were causing substantial distress and damage.
Andrew reports, “Nuisance calls are frustrating for many of us but for some, they can actually be very intimidating. I’ve previously met with the government’s communications regulator, Ofcom, and lobbied Ministers on the need for tougher action on this issue.
The Government has introduced the ability to levy huge fines on companies breaking the rules and gave more powers to the regulators to trace companies and act. These new rules mean that residents can actually see the number that is calling, so they can choose to ignore calls easier and also report numbers more accurately to help the regulators take action.”
Baroness Neville-Rolfe, the Minister responsible for data protection, adds, “Nuisance calls are incredibly intrusive and can cause significant harm to elderly and vulnerable members of society. The Government is committed to tackling this problem, which is why we are making it easier for consumers to report companies by forcing them to display their phone numbers,
"We are sending a clear message to rogue direct marketing companies. Nuisance calls are unacceptable and we will not hesitate to take action against the companies behind them."
Nuisance calls can be reported to the ICO online: https://ico.org.uk/concerns/marketing/ or by calling 0303 123 1113
Photo - Andrew previously meeting with Ofcom's Public Affairs Manager, Helen Barker, to discuss nuisance calls.
