Dealing with nuisance calls
Guide reference: HG-0010
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 3 min read
Reduce unwanted calls to your home phone. R
Don't worry. Unwanted calls are common, and there are steps you can take to reduce them without changing your phone number.
Quick answer
Register with the Telephone Preference Service, use caller display to screen calls, and consider a nuisance call blocker if unwanted calls continue.
More detail
Nuisance calls include repeated marketing, silent calls, and wrong numbers. They are annoying but are not always scams.
The Telephone Preference Service is a free register that stops most UK marketing calls. It takes a few weeks to take full effect.
Your home phone may have a block list or do-not-disturb setting. Caller display helps you decide which calls to answer.
We do not block inbound calls on your line unless you have call screening with us. See Call barring for outbound restrictions that apply to all customers.
Steps to reduce nuisance calls
Register your number free at tpsonline.org.uk (Telephone Preference Service).
Wait up to 28 days for marketing calls to reduce.
Use caller display to avoid answering unknown numbers.
Do not press buttons on recorded messages; hang up instead.
Consider a nuisance call blocker device if unwanted calls continue after TPS registration.
Ask us about call screening if you want help managing unwanted inbound calls.
Keep a note of repeat nuisance numbers and the dates they called.
Common mistakes
- Expecting TPS to stop all calls overnight.
- Answering silent calls repeatedly, which shows the line is active.
- Giving your number to online forms without reading marketing tick boxes.
- Changing your phone number hoping nuisance or scam calls will stop, when scammers often find new working numbers automatically.
Things to know
- TPS does not stop scams, surveys, or calls from abroad in all cases.
- Changing number rarely stops scam calls. Scammers use automated dialling to find working numbers.
- See How to handle cold callers for polite ways to end sales conversations.
- See How to spot scam calls if someone is trying to steal money or details.
Frequently asked questions
Does TPS cost money?
No. Registration is free for home phone numbers.
What is a nuisance call blocker?
A device that only lets through numbers you trust. It complements TPS and careful habits.
Will changing my number help?
Often not, especially for scam calls. Scammers use computer programs to find working numbers, so a new number can still be called. Try TPS, call screening, and a nuisance call blocker first.