How do I prevent unwanted calls from direct marketing companies - cold calls

ComReg have provided a consumer guide on this topic - Click here to see the Cold Calls Guide.

What if I don't want to receive Marketing Calls?

If you have a fixed-line (landline) phone and you do not want direct marketing companies to call you, you should contact the company from which you rent the line. A list of phone line providers and the relevant contact details can be found here.

If you do not object to receiving calls from companies wanting to sell you goods or services you do not need to do anything.

How can I complain?

If you get a sales call more than 28 days after your details have been recorded in the opt-out register of the NDD, or after you have told the company in question not to contact you again, you may wish to complain to the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). They can investigate and prosecute the company if necessary. Click here for the ODPC Complaint Form Pop up to new window .

What do I do if the call is from a UK number?

An automated call is a call during which the recipient is unable to speak to an actual person. They usually take the form of a recorded message played to the recipient when they answer the telephone. In the UK prior consent is needed to send automated marketing calls to individuals as required by the Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations. All marketing messages sent by automated calling systems must include the caller’s identity and an address or a freephone number at which the caller can be contacted.

To complain about a recorded marketing message you’ve received from a UK number please contact

If the automated call invites you to call a UK premium-rate number (one starting with 090), ask PhonepayPlus, the premium-rate regulator, for advice.

For all other UK calls you can contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) who is the UK's independent authority set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information, Please click on the link to the ICO’s website to complete a complaint form.