New Fines For Cold Callers

[Bambino]

Only affects UK registered companies, but it's progress.

http://news.sky.com/story/1684141/fines-for-cold-callers-using-withheld-numbers

[jonsie]

A step in the right direction for sure.

[Cleoriff]

It sounds really good in theory but ....I want to know how they can be identified (for reporting purposes) if you continue to be called from withheld numbers?

[Beenherebefore]

They can't unless they announce the name of their company. Pass this on to ICO who may startan investigation.

Just to note that probably in preparation for this change, I have noticed some cold calls now show up on my landline phone as "Out of Area" indicating the call is routed from outside of the UK. When I ask if the caller is calling from the UK, most times they say yes....in which case I tell them they should have checked the TPS database as the number has been registered for many years.

[Cleoriff]

The only time I have had an 'Out of Area' call is when someone rings me from Spain (and they aren't in my phone number list)

[Bambino]

According to the article, if the company is registered in the UK, they have to display their number even if the call is coming from overseas. I'm not quite sure how they can do that?

[Beenherebefore]

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@Bambino wrote:

I'm not quite sure how they can do that?

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Do you  mean how OFCOM/ICO can enforce it ?

[Anonymous]

Pleased to hear about this, for myself ... & ... my elderly Mum, who does not, in particular, like the 'silent calls'

[Cleoriff]

BBC business news has been discussing this issue with Christopher Graham from ICO. He said even if the number is withheld you should still report it. They will be able track down which company has called and fine them...

[Cleoriff]

Well I had a call this morning with a displayed number (to my landline) It was 01226490001

Apparently calling about my 'Windows computer'.......yes...of course they were!!

Incidentally http://who-called.co.uk/Number/01226490001 .....it is a scam....