SDLP Foyle Westminster candidate Mark Durkan is supporting a campaign to ensure people in Derry and throughout the North are aware of the steps they can take to prevent and report nuisance phone calls.
Independent research has found that 56% of people are distressed by cold calls and, worryingly, over two thirds of people do not feel confident that they know how to report them.
The research, commissioned by National Accident Helpline and undertaken by Populus, highlights the need for consumers to be given more information on how to prevent and report nuisance calls and spam texts.
The research also found that only 5% of people knew that 7726 is a standard number to text to their mobile network provider to report spam texts.
Mr Durkan, who has also supported parliamentary motions and pressed Ministers at Westminster on the issue, said: “I am very concerned by the worrying levels of distress which can be caused by cold calls – not least for older or more vulnerable people in society.
“It is also concerning that people have little awareness of how to stop these unethical practices.”
Mr Durkan is recommending people report nuisance communications through the Information Commissioner’s Office which has recently been given stronger powers to tackle those companies flouting the law. To report a live call, automated recorded call or spam text/email to the ICO call their helpline on 0303 123 1113. Alternatively if individuals are receiving a silent or abandoned call they can call Ofcom on 0300 123 3333 from a landline.
It is also possible to take action to minimise the opportunities for cold callers by registering with the Telephone Preference Service by calling 0845 070 0707. This makes it illegal for businesses to call you to sell products and services on both landlines and mobile numbers.
Russell Atkinson, CEO of National Accident Helpline, said: “Cold calls are a societal menace, and it is essential that consumers have the information they need to prevent and report them. National Accident Helpline never cold calls or sends spam texts or emails and we want to empower people so they no longer have to be subjected to unsolicited calls which leave them feeling harassed and angry.”
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