What Are Nuisance Calls?
Nuisance calls are unwanted or unwelcome phone calls that can disrupt your day and invade your privacy. In the UK, nuisance calls often include unsolicited marketing calls, silent calls (where no one speaks when you answer), and calls designed to trick or defraud you – commonly known as scams. These calls are different from legitimate calls you might expect from your bank, utility provider, or other organisations you have a relationship with, as nuisance calls are typically persistent, unsolicited, and can sometimes be aggressive or misleading.
Common types of nuisance calls people receive in the UK include:
Automated marketing calls (“robocalls”)
Live sales calls without your consent
Silent or abandoned calls
Scam calls pretending to be from trusted organisations
Prank calls, which may be made for amusement but can still cause distress
The law in the UK offers protection against nuisance calls. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) set out rules for marketing calls, requiring organisations to have your consent before contacting you for marketing purposes. Persistent or threatening calls may also breach the Communications Act 2003.
Prank calls, although sometimes intended as jokes, can be distressing or even harmful. If a prank call causes anxiety or harassment, it may be considered a criminal offence. For more details on this, see Is prank calling illegal in the UK?
Nuisance calls can have a significant impact on consumers, causing stress, anxiety, and even financial loss in the case of scams. Understanding what counts as a nuisance call is the first step in knowing your rights and taking action to protect yourself.
Your Rights Under UK Law Regarding Nuisance Calls
Under UK law, you have clear rights to protect yourself from nuisance calls. The main legislation covering this area is the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). These rules make it illegal for organisations to make unsolicited marketing calls to you unless you’ve given them permission, and they must stop contacting you if you ask them not to. Silent or abandoned calls are also restricted, and companies must not persistently ring you without a valid reason.
Businesses are not allowed to hide their identity when calling, and they must provide a contact number you can call back. If you receive persistent, unwanted, or misleading calls, you have the right to demand that these stop. In some cases, you may be entitled to claim compensation if the calls have caused you harm or distress. For more on this, see our guidance on refunds and compensation on purchases.
These protections are part of wider consumer rights in the UK, which ensure you are treated fairly in all your dealings with businesses. Nuisance calls can sometimes overlap with issues of discrimination and consumer rights, especially if calls are targeted or harassing in nature.
To better understand how the law protects you and what steps you can take, you can read more about consumer protection laws on the Citizens Advice website. This resource explains practical actions you can take if you’re affected by nuisance calls.
Common Types of Nuisance Calls by Area Code
Nuisance calls often come from particular area codes or number ranges, making it easier to spot patterns or identify common sources of unwanted calls. In the UK, area codes can sometimes indicate whether a call is from a legitimate local business, a national call centre, or even an overseas scam operation using a spoofed number. Recognising these codes can help you decide how to handle the call and whether to block or report it.
The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) set clear rules about marketing calls and the use of automated calling systems. Organisations making unsolicited calls must not hide their number or disguise their identity, and they must respect any request not to call again. If you receive repeated calls from certain area codes, especially if they ignore your requests to stop, this could be a breach of these regulations.
To help you stay informed and protected, we provide detailed guidance on nuisance calls from specific area codes. Each dedicated page explains the types of calls commonly reported from that area, what the law says about them, and practical tips for stopping or reporting these calls. By understanding the patterns associated with different area codes, you can take more effective action against nuisance callers.
Nuisance Calls from 0113 Numbers
Nuisance calls from 0113 numbers – typically associated with Leeds – can be particularly frustrating, especially when they are frequent or appear to come from legitimate local businesses. Under UK law, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), organisations must not make unsolicited sales or marketing calls to individuals who have opted out, for example by registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). Persistent or misleading calls from 0113 numbers may also breach these rules.
If you’re experiencing unwanted contact from these numbers, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you can take. For more detailed guidance on identifying, dealing with, and reporting 0113 nuisance calls, visit our dedicated page.
Nuisance Calls from 0116 Numbers
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from phone numbers starting with the 0116 area code, you’re not alone. These calls can be disruptive and, in some cases, may breach UK regulations such as the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which protect individuals from unsolicited marketing and nuisance calls. It’s important to know how to identify these calls and what steps you can take to report them.
For more detailed guidance on recognising, reporting, and stopping 0116 nuisance calls, visit our dedicated page. This resource covers your rights, common tactics used by callers, and practical steps to help you take action.
Nuisance Calls from 0117 Numbers
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from 0117 numbers, you have rights under UK law to protect your privacy and stop persistent or intrusive contact. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) set clear rules for how organisations can use your phone number, and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can take action against those who break these rules. To understand your options for making complaints, blocking these calls, and seeking redress, see our dedicated guide on 0117 nuisance calls.
Nuisance Calls from 01202 Numbers
Receiving nuisance calls from numbers starting with the 01202 area code can be particularly frustrating, especially if they are persistent or disruptive. These calls may involve unwanted sales pitches, scams, or repeated silent calls, and are subject to UK regulations such as the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. If you’re experiencing issues with calls from this area code, you have specific rights and options to protect yourself. For a detailed guide on how to identify, stop, and report these calls, see our dedicated page on 01202 nuisance calls.
Nuisance Calls from 01245 Numbers
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from phone numbers starting with the 01245 area code, you’re not alone. Many people across the UK report nuisance calls from this region, which can include persistent marketing, scam attempts, or silent calls. Under UK law, such calls may breach the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which protect individuals from unsolicited direct marketing and intrusive communications.
To help you understand your rights and the specific steps you can take, we’ve created a dedicated page about 01245 nuisance calls. There, you’ll find detailed advice on recognising these calls, reporting them, and protecting yourself from further disruption.
Nuisance Calls from 01269 Numbers
If you are receiving unwanted calls from 01269 numbers, you are not alone. Calls from this area code can sometimes be persistent or intrusive, and are subject to the same legal protections as other nuisance calls under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. For more detailed advice on recognising, handling, and reporting these specific calls, visit our dedicated page on 01269 nuisance calls.
Nuisance Calls from 01273 Numbers
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from numbers starting with the 01273 area code, you’re not alone. The 01273 code covers the Brighton area, but nuisance calls can originate from anywhere using this prefix. UK law, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), protects you against persistent or unsolicited marketing calls, regardless of the caller’s location. For specific information about how to identify, stop, and report these types of calls, visit our dedicated guide on 01273 nuisance calls.
Nuisance Calls from 0333 Numbers
Nuisance calls can come from a variety of numbers, including those that start with 0333. These are non-geographic numbers often used by businesses and organisations, but they can also be used by scammers or companies making unsolicited marketing calls. The law in the UK, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, protects you from unwanted or persistent calls, regardless of the number they come from.
If you’re receiving nuisance calls from an 0333 number, there are specific steps you can take to identify the caller, stop the calls, and report the issue. For more detailed guidance on how to handle this situation, visit our page on 0333 nuisance calls.
Nuisance Calls from 0345 Numbers
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from 0345 numbers, you’re not alone. While 0345 numbers are often used by businesses, charities, and public bodies, they can sometimes be used for nuisance calls, including unsolicited marketing or scam attempts. UK law, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), protects you from persistent or intrusive calls, regardless of the number used.
To find out more about your rights, the specific rules that apply, and what steps you can take if you’re being bothered by these calls, see our dedicated page on 0345 nuisance calls.
How to Report and Block Nuisance Calls in the UK
If you’re receiving nuisance calls in the UK, there are clear steps you can take to stop them and protect your privacy. Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), organisations must not make unsolicited marketing calls to individuals who have asked them to stop or who have registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
Reporting Nuisance Calls
To help tackle nuisance calls, it’s important to report them to the right authority. You can find a step-by-step guide on how to report and block nuisance calls in the UK. When making a complaint, try to provide details such as the caller’s number, the time and date of the call, and any information about the company or message. This information helps regulators take action against repeat offenders.
Blocking Unwanted Calls
Most modern phones allow you to block numbers directly in your call settings. Many phone providers also offer services to block nuisance or withheld numbers. If you’re unsure how to do this, your phone, internet & TV service provider can advise on available options.
Reducing Marketing Calls with the TPS
Registering your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is free and makes it illegal for UK-based companies to make unsolicited marketing calls to your home or mobile number. While this won’t stop all unwanted calls (such as those from overseas or scammers), it does significantly reduce the volume of legitimate marketing calls.
Why Reporting Matters
Each report you make helps authorities identify patterns and take enforcement action, making it harder for nuisance callers to target others. By taking these steps, you help protect yourself and contribute to reducing nuisance calls for everyone in the UK.
Dealing with Nuisance Calls: Practical Tips and Legal Options
When you receive a nuisance call, it’s important to stay calm and avoid engaging with the caller. Do not give out any personal or financial information. If possible, ask the caller to remove your details from their records and hang up politely. It’s also a good idea to block the number if your phone allows it, and register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce unwanted marketing calls.
Keeping a detailed record of nuisance calls is essential, especially if the problem persists. Note the date, time, caller’s number (if available), the nature of the call, and any requests you made to stop contact. This evidence will be valuable if you decide to make a formal complaint or seek compensation.
If the calls continue, you can complain directly to the company involved. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may escalate your complaint to a regulator such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which enforces rules under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). These regulations protect you from unsolicited marketing calls and texts.
In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered distress or financial loss as a result of nuisance calls. To strengthen your claim, use clear communication and keep thorough records. You can use letter templates for consumer law to help you draft effective complaints or compensation requests.
If nuisance calls continue or you’re unsure about your next steps, further guidance is available if you need more help about a consumer issue.
Related Consumer Issues and Further Resources
Nuisance calls are just one of many consumer issues you might face. Unwanted calls can sometimes be linked to scams, aggressive sales tactics, or problems with services and contracts. For example, some nuisance calls may try to pressure you into buying unnecessary insurance, switching your gas and electric or water supplier, or signing up for services you don’t need. Others may relate to scams, which are illegal and can cause significant harm.
If you receive nuisance calls about cancelling services, you have the right to end unwanted contracts – see our letter to cancel a service arranged online, over the phone or by mail order for a helpful template. You may also experience nuisance calls linked to travel and holidays cancellations and compensation, issues with buying or repairing a car, or even vets and pets services.
It’s important to know your rights under laws such as the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, which protect you from unwanted marketing calls and require organisations to respect your preferences.
For broader protection, explore our expert advice on spotting and avoiding scams expert tips, and learn about your rights relating to post and mail or parking fines and tickets. If you need further assistance, you can always get more help with consumer issues to ensure you’re fully supported in dealing with nuisance calls and related problems.
