getting rid of companies ringing 4 telesales

MimiJane

Strangely enough, ive done that on websites.  I couldnt see any genuine reason for them needing my number so i substitute numbers.  

That's OK, but you could well be giving out someone else's 'phone number, which is a little unfair as they may well be getting these calls now!

Why not just state "ex-directory" ... that's what I do.

System

Why not just state "ex-directory" ... that's what I do.

I always try that first, but the majority of internet sites wont accept it.

System

You could always use one of the dummy numbers used in TV programs. Details here http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing_numbering/numbers/num_drama

Paul1_2

I always use a mobile number on the web and check the data protection boxes that you don't want to be contacted by them or other reputable companies. This and the high cost of phoning mobiles means I never have a problem.

Home phone is ex-directory and registered with TPS. Once registered with TPS you can report any offenders to them.

I suppose we should all get 0870 numbers and beat them at their own game ;D

Paul1 8)

klondyke

I suppose we should all get 0870 numbers and beat them at their own game

I have an 0871 number for just that reason, but it's often rejected as invalid - in which case I discontinue whatever I was filling in.

Doesn't stop all the muppets that have my landline number, even after registering with TPS. We often don't answer the phone if caller id not recognised or unavailable.

Nick99

Not sure if it stops them calling you, but it is fun.

Interrupt them & say:"No, I'm not interested in double glazing/free holidays/Bt special offers/etc/etc, but I AM recruiting telesales people! Where do you live and what is your name........................?"

Completely puts them off their stroke and youre not even paying for the call!

Odyssy

We've been XD for about 10 years and still got the calls. We registered with TPS about a year ago and the calls gradually tailed off over about 6 - 8 weeks.
Before doing that I always responded to sales calls with "That sounds great, but does it make any difference that I've just been declared bankrupt?" (I haven't) That nearly always shut them up very quickly.

Since then it's just the occasional recorded "You've won a ..." and powerdiallers and on the odd occasions that there's someone on the other end I say "We're registered with the TPS and you should NOT have this number. You've got 2 choices - remove this number from your database, or send me £50 and I won't report you to ICTSIS.
Even these seem to be tailing off now.

jockettuk

my dad used to be plagued with these calls so what he did one day was say yes to everyone . double glazing firms, kitchen companys bathroom companys every company who asked if a rep could call.. thing is he made the appointsments for the same day at the same time and he lived in a high rise block of flats that was council run lol.. they turned up and were a bit surprised especially the guy who was selling windows he didnt fancy hanging outside 9 flights up lol... he got a few phone calls asking why he agreed to the reps calling and his answer well you wouldnt bloody believe me when i told you so now mabey you will all stop ringing... funny enough most did lol

Iffy_Wallet

T.P.S rocks - really good.

It took a few weeks.

Now the numpty calls are down to less than 1 a month or less.

The last call was a message on the answerphone with an 0800 number to call back on. I rang them and asked them if they had heard of TPS, but they claimed that they were a law unto themselves in the USA. (I think we all rather gathered that!). I asked them if the US Embassy in London would support this theory that they were outside the law. You could have cut the atmosphere with a knife.

In fact, now that TPS is so effective, it is nice to get an occasional call - just to hear them squirm. Brill !!

aliasojo

Not quite so effective for me at the moment. TPS stopped calls for about a year but over the last month they've been springing up again.

When told my number is registered with the TPS, the companies tell me they get a list from BT and it's not their fault they're not informed.

A couple have just put the phone down.

I must get the company name the next time before I mention TPS, I think.