Understanding Nuisance Calls in the UK
Nuisance calls are unwanted phone calls that disrupt your day, invade your privacy, and can sometimes put you at risk of scams or fraud. In the UK, nuisance calls typically fall into three main categories:
Marketing calls: These are unsolicited calls from companies trying to sell you products or services, often without your consent.
Scam calls: Fraudulent calls designed to trick you into giving away personal or financial information, or to pressure you into making payments.
Persistent calls: Repeated calls from the same number or organisation, even after you’ve asked them to stop.
Many UK residents experience these types of calls, whether it’s a recorded message about accident claims, a live caller offering fake investment opportunities, or relentless calls from telemarketers. Such calls can be more than just a nuisance – they may cause stress, anxiety, or even financial harm if you fall victim to a scam.
The law in the UK offers protection against nuisance calls. Under regulations such as the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, organisations must have your consent before making certain types of marketing calls. If you’ve registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), it’s illegal for most companies to contact you for marketing purposes without your permission. Authorities like the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can take action against companies that break these rules.
If you want to learn more about your legal rights regarding nuisance calls, including detailed guidance on the laws that protect you and what steps you can take, visit our comprehensive overview page. This will help you understand the full range of protections available and how to assert your rights if you receive unwanted calls.
How to Block Nuisance Calls
Blocking nuisance calls is an important step in protecting your privacy and reducing unwanted interruptions. There are several effective methods you can use to block nuisance calls in the UK, from registering with official services to using technology on your phone.
Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
One of the most effective ways to stop unsolicited marketing calls is to register your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). This is a free service that allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales or marketing calls. Once your number is registered, it becomes illegal for UK-based organisations to call you for marketing purposes without your consent. However, registering with the TPS may not stop all nuisance calls, especially those from scammers or overseas companies, so additional steps may be necessary.
Use Call-Blocking Features and Apps
Most modern mobile phones and landline handsets come with built-in call-blocking features. You can block specific numbers, or in some cases, block calls from unknown or withheld numbers. Check your device’s user manual or settings menu to find out how to activate these features.
For further protection, consider installing a third-party call-blocking app. These apps can filter out known nuisance numbers, automatically block suspicious calls, and allow you to create custom block lists. Some phone providers also offer network-level call-blocking services, which can be particularly effective for persistent offenders.
Set Up Call Barring or Silent Ringtones
If you’re receiving repeated calls from unknown numbers, you can set up call barring to prevent certain types of calls from reaching you. Many phone providers offer this service, allowing you to block international or withheld numbers, or even specific area codes.
Alternatively, assigning a silent ringtone to unknown or unwanted numbers can help minimise disruption. While the call will still come through, you won’t be disturbed by the ring.
Managing Calls from Specific Number Prefixes
Nuisance calls often come from certain area codes or number prefixes. If you notice a pattern, you can block these prefixes directly on some handsets or through call-blocking apps. For instance, if you’re frequently targeted by calls from 0116, 01269, or 0333 numbers, you can block these prefixes to reduce unwanted calls.
For tailored advice on dealing with nuisance calls from specific area codes or prefixes, see our detailed guides on nuisance calls from 0116 numbers, nuisance calls from 01269 numbers, nuisance calls from 0333 numbers, nuisance calls from 01273 numbers, nuisance calls from 0117 numbers, nuisance calls from 01202 numbers, nuisance calls from 0345 numbers, nuisance calls from 01245 numbers, and nuisance calls from 0113 numbers.
Legal Protections and Your Rights
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), it is illegal for companies to make unsolicited marketing calls to anyone registered with the TPS, unless you have given them specific permission. Organisations that break these rules can face enforcement action from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
If you continue to receive nuisance calls after taking these steps, you can report the offending numbers to the relevant authorities. Keeping a record of the calls, including the number, time, and nature of the call, will help support your case.
By combining registration with the TPS, using call-blocking technology, and staying informed about your rights, you can significantly reduce the impact of nuisance calls on your daily life. For more detailed guidance on blocking calls from particular area codes or types of numbers, explore our dedicated pages linked above.
How to Report Nuisance Calls
Reporting nuisance calls is an important step in protecting yourself and helping authorities tackle unwanted and potentially harmful calls. Whether you’re receiving persistent marketing calls, scam attempts, or threatening messages, knowing how and when to report can make a real difference.
When and Why to Report Nuisance Calls
You should report nuisance calls if you’re receiving repeated, unwanted contact – especially if the calls are aggressive, misleading, or threatening. Reporting helps regulatory bodies investigate offenders, enforce the law, and prevent others from falling victim to similar calls. For more background on your rights and the types of calls that qualify as nuisance calls, see our information about nuisance calls and your rights.
Reporting Persistent Marketing Calls
If you continue to receive marketing calls after registering your number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), it’s important to take action. The TPS is a free service that allows you to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. If companies ignore your TPS registration and keep calling, you can report them directly to the TPS. This helps the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) investigate and potentially fine companies that break the rules under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
Reporting Scam or Fraudulent Calls
Scam calls – such as those pretending to be from your bank or a government agency – should be reported as soon as possible. In the UK, Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. By reporting scam calls to Action Fraud, you contribute to wider investigations and help protect others. If you want to learn more about how to recognise and avoid scams, check out our tips on spotting and avoiding scams.
Collecting Evidence for Your Report
When reporting nuisance calls, it’s helpful to keep a record of what’s happened. Try to note:
The date and time of each call
The caller’s number (if available)
The name of the organisation (if given)
Details of what was said
Any recordings or voicemails
This evidence can support your complaint and help authorities investigate the source of the calls more effectively.
Escalating Harassment or Threatening Calls
If nuisance calls become persistent harassment or include threats, you may need to escalate the matter. In these cases, contact your local police force. Keeping a detailed log and any recordings will help the police understand the severity of the situation. Harassment and threatening calls can be criminal offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the Malicious Communications Act 1988. For more details about your legal protections, see our guide to harassment laws and your rights.
By taking these steps, you not only protect yourself but also help authorities clamp down on nuisance callers and make the UK’s phone networks safer for everyone.
Additional Tips and Resources
Additional Tips and Resources
If you’ve been caught off guard by a nuisance call and ended up making an unwanted purchase – whether online or over the phone – don’t worry, you still have rights. UK law gives consumers a cooling-off period for most goods and services bought at a distance, such as over the phone or internet. This means you can usually cancel your order within 14 days of receiving the goods or entering into a contract, unless the product is exempt (like personalised items or perishable goods).
To make sure your cancellation is effective, it’s best to put your request in writing. Using a formal letter not only provides clear evidence of your intent but also helps avoid any disputes with the seller. If you’re unsure how to go about this, see our step-by-step guide on how to cancel or return goods bought online or by phone for practical tips and a template letter you can use.
It’s also important to understand the differences between nuisance calls and prank calls. While both can be disruptive, the law treats them differently. Nuisance calls typically involve repeated unwanted contact, often for marketing or scam purposes, and may breach data protection or consumer protection laws. Prank calls, on the other hand, may seem harmless but can cross the line into criminal behaviour if they cause distress or alarm. For more details on this topic, read about the legality of prank calls in the UK.
If nuisance calls are a persistent issue, don’t hesitate to seek further help. Official bodies like Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provide advice and can investigate serious complaints. You can also speak to your phone provider about additional call-blocking features or devices.
Remember, you have the right to peace and privacy in your own home. By staying informed, using available tools, and knowing your rights, you can take control and reduce the impact of nuisance calls on your daily life. If you need more information about cancelling unwanted purchases or understanding your legal options, explore the related topics linked above.
