Unwanted phone calls on landlines can be a nuisance, interrupting your daily routine and causing unnecessary stress. These calls can come from telemarketers, robocalls, scammers, or even wrong numbers. Whatever the source of the calls, they can be a real annoyance, and it can be challenging to know how to stop them.
Luckily, there are several ways to block unwanted phone calls on a landline. In this post, we will cover various methods to help you take control of your phone and stop these unwanted calls. From registering with the Telephone Preference Service to using a call blocker device, we will discuss everything you need to know to take action and stop these unwanted calls.
Unwanted Phone Calls in the UK
In the United Kingdom, unwanted phone calls have become a significant problem for many people. According to research, around six in ten adults in the UK receive unwanted calls each month, with many receiving several calls per week. Unwanted calls can be a source of significant stress and inconvenience for people and can also be used as a tool for scammers to defraud vulnerable individuals.
The UK government and the telecommunications industry have been working to address the problem of unwanted calls in the country. For example, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) can fine organizations that make unwanted marketing calls or texts. The regulator Ofcom has implemented measures to help combat unwanted calls and texts.
Additionally, the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a service that allows individuals to opt out of receiving live marketing calls and that is used by many as a tool to reduce the unwanted calls they receive.
Despite these efforts, unwanted calls remain a prevalent issue in the UK. The rise of cheap international calling, caller ID spoofing and the ease of automating calls have made it easier for unwanted callers to bypass existing regulations.
Therefore, it is still essential for individuals to protect themselves from unwanted calls, such as using call-blocking features or devices, registering with the TPS, being cautious with unsolicited calls, and not giving out personal information.
Understanding Types of Unwanted Phone Calls
A few unwanted phone calls can be made to a landline, and understanding the different types can help you determine the best action to stop them.
- Telemarketing Calls - These are calls made by companies trying to sell a product or service. They may be automated or live calls and typically come during business hours.
- Robocalls - Also known as "spam calls", robocalls are pre-recorded messages made using an automated system. These calls can be made at any time of day, and they often try to sell something or ask for personal information.
- Scam Calls - Scammers may try to call and trick you into giving them money or personal information. These calls can be challenging to distinguish from legitimate ones, so it's important to be cautious with unsolicited calls.
- Wrong Number Calls - Sometimes, people dial a number by mistake and call the wrong person. While these calls aren't necessarily malicious, they can still be unwanted and disruptive.
- International/Premium Rate Calls - these calls may be unwanted and unwanted because they come from international numbers or numbers with a premium rate. That's why they tend to be more expensive than regular calls.
It's important to remember that some unwanted calls may not fit into these categories and that not all unwanted calls are malicious or illegal. But knowing the different types of unwanted calls can help you better understand what you're dealing with and how to handle it.
How to Stop Unwanted Phone Calls?
There are several ways to stop unwanted phone calls on a landline in the UK. Here are a few options:
Registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service in the UK that allows you to opt out of receiving live sales and marketing calls. It is designed to help protect people from unwanted calls and is run by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).
When you register your landline or mobile number with the TPS, they will add it to a list of numbers that are opted out of receiving live sales and marketing calls. The TPS then provides this list to organizations that are members of the DMA, who are then required by law to check the list before making any live sales and marketing calls. This helps to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
To register your number with the TPS, you can visit their website at www.tpsonline.org.uk, where you can enter your number and opt out of live sales and marketing calls. It's important to note that it may take up to 28 days for your registration to take effect, so you may still receive unwanted calls during that period.
Additionally, TPS registration only covers live sales and marketing calls. It doesn't cover automated or recorded marketing calls, scam calls, or wrong-number calls.
Blocking individual numbers
Many landline phones have a built-in call-blocking feature that allows you to block individual numbers from calling your phone. This can be an effective way to block specific unwanted callers, such as telemarketers or scammers.
Instructions for how to block individual numbers may vary, so it's essential to consult your phone's manual for specific instructions. However, here is a general guide on how you might block a number on a landline phone:
- Find the call-blocking feature: Look for a button or menu option on your phone labelled "call block", "block caller", "block number", etc.
- Add the number to your block list: Once you have found the call-blocking feature, you should be able to enter the number you want to block. Some phones may have a menu option to add a number, while others may require you to enter *60 before the number you wish to block.
- Check your block list: Some phones may have the option to view a list of blocked numbers. It's important to check this to make sure the number you want to block is on the list.
It's worth noting that not all phone services provide call-blocking features. Check with your provider if you need help finding the call-blocking feature on your phone. Also, as previously mentioned, this method is suitable for blocking specific unwanted callers, but it will not block automated calls or robocalls.
Using a call blocker device
You can connect call blocker devices to your landline phone to help block unwanted calls. These devices work by analyzing the caller ID information of incoming calls and blocking calls that match a pre-set list of numbers or specific criteria.
It's essential to research and compare different options before purchasing a call blocker device. It's also worth noting that some of these devices have subscription-based services, allowing you to block robocalls.
Using a call blocker device can be a good option for blocking multiple unwanted callers simultaneously, especially if you receive a high volume of unwanted calls. However, it's essential to be aware that some devices may have a monthly or annual subscription fee, and some will require you to register your number, similar to TPS, to be effective.
Contacting your service provider
Another way to block unwanted phone calls on a landline in the UK is to contact your service provider. Many phone companies offer features to help stop specific numbers or calls. For example, your service provider may be able to block international or premium rate numbers, which can be a common source of unwanted calls.
Conclusion
Unwanted phone calls on a landline in the UK can be a real nuisance, but there are several ways to block them. To take action and stop unwanted calls, it's essential to use a combination of these methods, as well as being cautious with unsolicited calls and not giving out personal information. It's also important to remember that although these methods will help you block unwanted calls, some calls may still come through, so it's important to stay vigilant.
A call blocker device is strongly recommended to stop unwanted phone calls. Our call blockers are meant to keep you and your family safe from unwanted phone calls and give you peace of mind at home. Browse our products, or get in touch with us so we can help you.