Introduction to 0116 Nuisance Calls
Receiving unwanted calls from 0116 numbers can be disruptive and concerning. These are known as 0116 nuisance calls, and they typically originate from the Leicester area code in the UK. While many calls from 0116 numbers are legitimate, nuisance calls using this code are increasingly common and can cause significant annoyance or distress.
Nuisance calls are any unwanted phone calls that can include aggressive marketing, scams, or even prank calls. Marketing calls often try to sell you products or services you haven’t asked for, while scam calls may attempt to trick you into giving away personal or financial information. Prank calls, though sometimes intended as a joke, can also be distressing or intimidating.
The impact of nuisance calls can be far-reaching. Many people in the UK report feeling anxious or unsafe after repeated unwanted calls. For vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those living alone, these calls can be especially upsetting. Beyond the emotional toll, scam calls can also lead to financial loss or identity theft.
This page focuses specifically on nuisance calls from the 0116 area code. It will help you understand what these calls are, why they happen, and – most importantly – what you can do about them. Knowing your rights is crucial: UK laws such as the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 offer protection against unsolicited marketing and scam calls. Understanding these rules empowers you to take action, whether that means blocking the caller, reporting them to the authorities, or seeking further support.
If you want to learn more about the wider issue, including your legal rights and practical steps to stop unwanted calls from any number, see our main guide on nuisance calls. This will give you a broader understanding of how to protect yourself and your loved ones from nuisance calls in general.
What Are Nuisance Calls?
What Are Nuisance Calls?
Nuisance calls are unwanted phone calls that can disrupt your day, cause annoyance, or even put you at risk of scams. These calls often come from unfamiliar numbers, including those starting with 0116, which is a dialling code for Leicester and surrounding areas. However, nuisance calls can originate from anywhere in the UK or even overseas, and some callers may disguise their real number to appear local.
Types of Nuisance Calls
Nuisance calls come in several forms:
Unwanted marketing calls: These are unsolicited sales or promotional calls, often from companies trying to sell products or services you did not ask for. They might ignore your preferences, even if you’ve registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
Scam calls: These are fraudulent calls designed to trick you into giving away personal, financial, or security information. Scammers may pretend to be from your bank, a government agency, or a trusted business. To learn more about how to protect yourself, see our guide on spotting and avoiding scams.
Silent calls: These are calls where you answer the phone but hear nothing on the other end. Silent calls are often the result of automated dialling systems used by telemarketers, but they can be distressing and disruptive.
Prank calls: These are made to cause confusion, alarm, or amusement at the recipient’s expense. While some may seem harmless, prank calls can cross the line into harassment or distress. For more on this, see our page on prank calling legality in the UK.
How to Identify Nuisance Calls from 0116 Numbers
Nuisance calls from 0116 numbers can be difficult to spot, especially as some legitimate businesses also use this code. Signs that a call may be a nuisance include:
The caller refuses to identify themselves or the company they represent.
You are pressured to provide personal or financial information.
The call is automated or uses recorded messages.
You receive repeated calls, even after asking the caller to stop.
The caller becomes aggressive, abusive, or intimidating.
If you receive a call from an 0116 number and are unsure who is calling, it’s wise to be cautious. Never share sensitive information unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.
Common Tactics Used by Nuisance Callers
Nuisance callers often use specific tactics to annoy, mislead, or deceive:
Spoofing local numbers: Callers may disguise their true location by using a local 0116 number to make you more likely to answer.
Pretending to be official: Scammers might claim to be from your bank, the police, or government agencies to gain your trust.
Creating urgency: You may be told your bank account is at risk or that you owe money, pressuring you to act quickly.
Repeated or persistent calling: Some callers will ring multiple times a day, making it hard to ignore.
Understanding these tactics can help you avoid falling victim to scams or harassment. If you suspect a call is a scam, review our advice on spotting and avoiding scams.
Are Prank Calls Illegal?
While some prank calls are meant as jokes, they can become illegal if they cause distress, harassment, or alarm. Making malicious or threatening calls is a criminal offence under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003. To understand when a prank call crosses the line into unlawful behaviour, visit our page on prank calling legality in the UK.
By recognising the different types of nuisance calls and the tactics used, you can better protect yourself and take steps to stop or report unwanted calls.
Your Rights Under UK Law
Under UK law, you have strong protections against nuisance calls, including those from 0116 numbers. The main legal framework is the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which set strict rules for organisations making marketing calls, texts, or automated messages. These regulations make it illegal for companies to make unsolicited marketing calls to individuals who have told them not to call, or who are registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the public body responsible for enforcing these rules. The ICO investigates complaints, takes action against companies that break the law, and can issue fines for serious breaches. If you continue to receive unwanted calls after asking for them to stop, or if you believe a caller is breaking the law, you have the right to report them to the ICO.
You also have the right to ask any organisation making direct marketing calls to stop contacting you. Once you make this request, either verbally or in writing, they are legally required to stop. If they ignore your request, you can make a formal complaint to the ICO, who may investigate and take action.
To reduce unwanted marketing calls, you can register your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). This is a free service that allows you to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. Once registered, it becomes illegal for most organisations to call you without your consent.
For more detailed information about the laws and your options, visit your rights regarding nuisance calls. This will help you understand how to protect yourself and what steps to take if you continue to receive nuisance calls.
How to Stop and Report 0116 Nuisance Calls
Receiving nuisance calls from 0116 numbers can be frustrating and disruptive, but there are clear steps you can take to reduce, stop, and report these unwanted calls. Here’s what you can do:
1. Block the Number
Most modern smartphones allow you to block specific numbers. If you repeatedly receive nuisance calls from the same 0116 number, add it to your phone’s block list. This will prevent that number from calling or messaging you in the future. If you’re unsure how to do this, check your phone’s user manual or settings menu.
Many phone providers also offer call-blocking services. Contact your provider to find out what options are available – some offer free services, while others may charge a small fee. Blocking services can help filter out known nuisance numbers before they reach you.
For a step-by-step guide on these processes, see how to report and block nuisance calls in the UK.
2. Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is the UK’s official ‘do not call’ register. By registering your landline or mobile number, you can opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. It’s free to sign up and usually takes up to 28 days for your registration to take full effect.
While registering with the TPS won’t stop all nuisance calls (such as those from scammers or overseas companies ignoring the law), it does significantly reduce the volume of legitimate marketing calls you receive.
3. Report Nuisance Calls
If you continue to receive unwanted calls after registering with the TPS, or if the calls are aggressive, misleading, or appear to be scams, it’s important to report them. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforces rules under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which make it unlawful for companies to make unsolicited marketing calls to people registered with the TPS.
To report nuisance calls, gather as much information as possible, such as the number calling, the time of the call, and what was said. Keeping a record of these details will help authorities investigate your complaint.
You can report nuisance calls to the ICO through their official channels. For additional guidance on the reporting process, visit how to report and block nuisance calls in the UK.
4. Be Cautious with Personal Information
Never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity. Nuisance callers may try to obtain sensitive details for fraudulent purposes. If you’re unsure, hang up and contact the company directly using a verified number.
5. Keep a Record of Calls
If you plan to make a complaint, keep a log of nuisance calls. Note the date, time, caller’s number, and a brief summary of the conversation. This evidence can be vital if authorities need to investigate repeated or serious breaches of the law.
Taking these steps can help you regain control over your phone and reduce the impact of nuisance calls. For further information and practical advice, see how to report and block nuisance calls in the UK or register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
Other Area Codes and Number Types Related to Nuisance Calls
Nuisance calls aren’t limited to just 0116 numbers – they can come from a wide range of area codes and number types across the UK. While some calls may appear to be from local or familiar numbers, nuisance calls can also originate from other geographic areas, business numbers, or even non-geographic numbers that are harder to trace. This widespread issue means it’s important to stay vigilant, no matter which number appears on your phone.
Many people report nuisance calls from area codes such as 0113 (Leeds), 0117 (Bristol), and 01202 (Bournemouth). These calls often involve unwanted sales pitches, scam attempts, or repeated silent calls. For example, if you’re concerned about calls from Leeds, you can read more about 0113 nuisance calls, which cover similar problems and solutions.
It’s not just geographic codes – business and non-geographic numbers are also commonly used for nuisance calls. Numbers beginning with 0345 or 0333 are widely used by legitimate companies, but scammers and nuisance callers sometimes spoof these numbers to appear trustworthy. If you’re receiving suspicious calls from these types of numbers, you may find it helpful to explore 0345 nuisance calls and 0333 nuisance calls for more information.
Other area codes where nuisance calls are frequently reported include:
0117 nuisance calls (Bristol area)
01202 nuisance calls (Bournemouth area)
01245 nuisance calls (Chelmsford area)
01269 nuisance calls (Ammanford area)
01273 nuisance calls (Brighton area)
No matter the number, the law is clear: making unsolicited marketing calls without proper consent is illegal under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has the authority to fine companies and individuals who break these rules.
If you’re experiencing nuisance calls from any of these area codes or number types, you have the right to take action. You can block the numbers, register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), and report persistent offenders to the ICO. For more detailed advice on dealing with nuisance calls from specific numbers, explore the linked topics above to better protect yourself and your privacy.
Protecting Your Mobile Phone and Personal Information
Protecting Your Mobile Phone and Personal Information
Keeping your mobile phone and personal information secure is essential in preventing misuse, especially when it comes to nuisance calls and potential scams. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, your contact details and stored information could be exploited, increasing the risk of unwanted calls or fraudulent activity. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
What Happens If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen?
A lost or stolen phone can quickly become a gateway for nuisance callers and scammers. Criminals may try to access your contacts, messages, and personal data, which can then be used to make nuisance calls or target you and your contacts with scams. It’s important to act fast to limit any potential damage.
If you find yourself in this situation, follow clear steps on what to do if your mobile phone is lost or stolen. Acting quickly can help protect your information and reduce the risk of further problems.
Tips for Safeguarding Your Mobile and Personal Information
1. Use Strong Security Settings
Set a secure PIN or password on your phone. Avoid simple codes like “1234” or your birth year.
Enable biometric security (fingerprint or facial recognition) where possible.
Turn on device location tracking so you can find your phone if it goes missing.
2. Keep Your Personal Information Private
Be cautious about sharing your phone number online or with unfamiliar contacts.
Avoid posting your number on social media or public websites.
Only download apps from trusted sources, and review app permissions carefully.
3. Protect Your SIM and Data
Set up a SIM PIN to prevent someone from using your SIM card in another device.
Regularly back up your data to a secure location. This helps you recover important information if your phone is lost or stolen.
4. Respond Quickly If Your Phone Goes Missing
Report the loss to your mobile provider as soon as possible to block your SIM and device.
Inform the police if your phone is stolen, as this may be required for insurance claims.
Change passwords for any accounts you accessed from your phone, especially banking or email.
5. Stay Alert to Unusual Activity
Watch for unexpected texts, calls, or emails, especially if they ask for personal or financial details.
If you start receiving nuisance calls after your phone is lost or stolen, notify your provider and consider reporting the calls to the relevant authorities.
Your Legal Rights
Under UK law, your personal information is protected by the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Companies and individuals are not allowed to use your personal data, including your phone number, for marketing or nuisance calls without your consent. If your data has been compromised due to a lost or stolen phone, you have the right to take action and seek support.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of your phone being misused and help protect yourself from nuisance calls and scams. If you want to know more about what to do if your mobile phone is lost or stolen, visit the dedicated guidance for further advice.
Getting More Help and Support
If nuisance calls from 0116 numbers continue despite your efforts to stop them, or if they are causing you distress, it’s important to know that further help is available. Persistent unwanted calls can be upsetting, disruptive, and sometimes intimidating, so you should not hesitate to seek support.
Start by keeping a record of the calls you receive, including the date, time, and content of each call. This information can be helpful if you decide to report the issue or seek advice. If you feel threatened or harassed by the calls, and especially if they are abusive or make you feel unsafe, you should consider contacting the police.
For general advice and support about nuisance calls, several consumer organisations can offer guidance. These organisations can help you understand your rights under laws such as the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which set out rules for companies making marketing calls, and the Data Protection Act 2018, which governs how your personal data can be used.
If you are struggling to resolve the problem through your phone provider or want to know more about your rights, you can find further assistance and information if you need more help about a consumer issue. This resource can guide you to the right support, whether you need to escalate a complaint, seek legal advice, or understand the next steps for dealing with nuisance calls.
Remember, you do not have to handle nuisance calls alone. Support is available to help you protect your privacy and peace of mind.
