Could more be done to protect the most vulnerable from nuisance callers?

I have an ex directory number, I am logged with the telephone preference service and I have an answerphone message which tells the caller that I do not take unsolicited telephone calls; I do not purchase goods over the telephone and if they are a genuine caller please leave a message and I will return the call later. Also if they are not a genuine caller under the terms and conditions of the Data Protection Act would they remove my number from their list and also from their data base – and still I get calls – one morning 3 calls before 7.30 am in the morning! Who gives out these numbers? Is someone or some company who has access to personal telephone numbers being paid to give them out? If this is the case the Government Watch Dog should be penalising these companies from doing this. My husband and I are both pensioners and my husband is very deaf in both ears so it is particularly annoying. (I also have caller display and no matter how many times I disconnect unknown callers they still call back – it’s very annoying do they think we are stupid when they call with an English sounding name and a very thick foreign accent which cannot be understood if you accidentially pick up the ‘phone (I need my glasses to see the number)).

I think that call blockers are a waste of time, the people that really need them are unable to use them because of the technology involved. The people that can use them don’t really need them. it’s a catch 22.
I think that this is a case of follow the money and the data. Companies that sell and pass on personal details should be prosecuted. Similarity, companies that are involved in and profit from cold calling should similarly be prosecuted. Directors and ‘controlling minds’ of such companies should be held personally liable.
I recognise that many of the calls emanate from abroad and are effectively not covered by UK law, however somebody in the UK must be supplying the data and profiting from the operation of such foreign based companies. Call blocking is mere symptom relief, it does not address the root cause; prosecute those that profit from the practice

They are very annoying and a complete waste of time I have a whistle and give a quick
blast!

82 posts on this subject which has made the British public angry and , in some cases caused the death of old and vulnerable people by constant and unceasing harassment on the phone with no real action from HMG . So much for the “protection of the British population ” by HMG . Well at last something concrete is being done – NOT , sad to say , in the UK , but in the USA , that US Federal Commission I think a lot of – the FTC IS !! taking action on behalf of US citizens with the announcement that -quote –direct from the US.gov website – FTC+ Federal , State + International Partners Announce Major Crackdown on Tech Support Scams– fraudsters tricked consumers into thinking their computers were infected then charged them hundreds of dollars for removal of non-existent malware . Yes I have the full investigation taking place , the action being taken INCLUDING the US -quote -taking action IN India . I have a list of the shady tech companies implicated in US district Court action INCLUDING Indian (east ) AND US tech companies . I have indictments/ ARRESTS and much , much more . This involves many US “secret ” organisations as well as US security services helping to trace ALL those calls that the UK government say — and I didnt believe , “we cant do anything ” because they are “untraceable ” NOT in the USA . Think about it -to protect US citizens the US uses highly specialised branches of the Secret Service ( tech dept) and other bodies and YES !! they CAN be traced none of this “untraceable , even “burner” phones can be traced . I cant think more highly of the help +protection that US authorities do for US citizens , I actually admire it and yes , I am jealous , on behalf of the British people that the resources of the USA are brought together for your ordinary US citizen and they are listened too . For anybody wanting to debate this , I have the full transcript on a file (not on my PC ) Its actually embarrassing compared to the non-action of this country – dated – 12-5-2017.

On the previous page, William drew attention to the fact that the government is spending £500,000 on a mere 1,500 call blockers. Even though there will costs involved in deciding who should receive one, this seems very poor value for money.

Which? has drawn our attention to the possibility of ‘up to’ £500,000 fines for directors of companies found to be making nuisance calls. I wonder how many directors have been fined.

I still maintain that the effort should be to provide a central call blocking system that can used by all subscribers and updated as necessary. Central services include caller display and a variety of other services that are listed in phone directories and websites.

How to stop nuisance. Use BT’s 1572 free service to block any further calls from the number that called you last. Invest in a BT 8500. This can be bought with 1 or 2 handsets. You put all numbers you don’t mind ringing you into your BT 8500. If someone calls you not in your allowed calls, your phone will ring once very quietly and announce “Calls to this number are being screened by BT Call Guardian, please say your name and press the # key.” You then have there options 1=allow call once, 2 = allow all calls from this number, 3 =send call to answerphone. I have had 2 of these cordless BT 8500 hand sets for nearly two years, and since buying have had zero nuisance calls. I bought two handsets for £49.99
from Amazon. However, BT are doing some price cuts on these phones at present, so shop around.

I bought these nearly two years ago and have never had a nuisance call since. Make sure you’re registered with Phone Preferences Service, they tell major companies not to call you. This service is also available for mobiles both landlines and mobiles are registered for free.

A ban on all cold calling with a prison sentence not a fine for all who do cold call