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How can I complain against unsolicited texts and phone calls?

How can I complain against unsolicited texts and phone calls?

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Complain Against Unsolicited Texts and Phone Calls

Understanding Unsolicited Communications

Unsolicited texts and phone calls are communications you receive without having agreed to them. They are often used for marketing purposes by businesses. These messages can be annoying and sometimes even fraudulent.

It is important to understand the legal protections available in the UK. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) is the primary legislation that governs marketing calls and texts.

Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service that helps reduce unwanted marketing calls. All consumers in the UK can register their landline or mobile number with TPS.

Once registered, organisations are legally required not to call you with unsolicited sales and marketing offers. It can take up to 28 days for the registration to take full effect.

Make a Complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

If you continue to receive unsolicited calls or texts after registering with TPS, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO is responsible for enforcing data protection laws in the UK.

Complaints can be made online through the ICO's website. The ICO investigates complaints and can take action against companies that have broken the rules.

Contact Your Mobile Provider

Mobile providers can offer additional tools to help you block unwanted calls and messages. Many providers have functions to block specific numbers or filter out known nuisance calls.

Contact your provider to find out what services they offer. These services can provide an added layer of protection against unsolicited communications.

Be Wary of Scam Calls and Texts

Not all unsolicited calls are just marketing—some may be scams. They often use pressure tactics or false information to trick you.

Never give out personal or financial details over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity. If in doubt, hang up and verify the information independently.

Educate Yourself and Stay Informed

Keeping informed about the latest tactics used by spammers can help protect you. The ICO and other consumer protection agencies regularly release updates and advisories.

Joining online forums and communities focused on consumer rights can also provide support. By staying informed, you can better safeguard your privacy and reduce unwanted interruptions.

Stop Unwanted Texts and Calls

What Are Unwanted Texts and Calls?

Unwanted texts and calls are messages you get without asking for them. Businesses often send them to sell things. These messages can be annoying or even fake.

In the UK, there are rules to protect you. One important rule is called the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). It helps control marketing calls and texts.

Join the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free way to stop unwanted calls. Anyone in the UK can sign up their phone number with TPS.

Once you sign up, companies are not allowed to call you to sell things. It might take up to 28 days for it to start working.

How to Complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

If you still get unwanted calls or texts after joining the TPS, you can tell the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO makes sure companies follow the rules about your data.

You can complain online on the ICO's website. The ICO can investigate and punish companies that break the rules.

Talk to Your Mobile Provider

Your mobile company might have tools to block unwanted calls and texts. They can help stop or block numbers that bother you.

Ask your provider about these tools. They can give you extra protection from unwanted messages.

Watch Out for Scam Calls and Texts

Some unwanted calls can be scams. Scammers might try to trick you with lies or pressure.

Never share personal or money details on the phone unless you are sure who you are talking to. If unsure, hang up and check on your own.

Learn and Stay Aware

Learning about new tricks from scammers can keep you safe. The ICO and other groups often share tips and news.

You can join online groups where people talk about their rights as customers. Staying informed helps protect your privacy and stops unwanted messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unsolicited text or phone call?

An unsolicited text or phone call is a message or call received without the recipient's prior consent, often for marketing or scam purposes.

Why am I receiving unsolicited texts or calls?

You may receive unsolicited texts or calls if your phone number is being targeted by marketers or scammers, or if it has been shared or sold by companies you have interacted with.

How can I stop receiving unsolicited texts or phone calls?

You can register your phone number on a national do-not-call registry and use the blocking features available on your phone or mobile app to filter unwanted communications.

How do I report unsolicited texts or calls to my phone carrier?

Most major phone carriers allow you to forward spam texts to a specific number (e.g., 7726 in the US) to report them as spam.

Can I complain to a government agency about unsolicited contacts?

Yes, typically you can file a complaint with a consumer protection agency or telecommunications regulatory authority in your country.

What information should I include in my complaint?

Include the phone number that contacted you, the time of the contact, the content of the message or call, and any other relevant details that might help in the investigation.

Is there a specific organization for complaints about unsolicited communications?

In many countries, there is an agency responsible for handling telecommunications issues where you can report your complaint, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.

What legal actions can be taken against unsolicited callers or texters?

Legal actions depend on your local laws but may include fines or penalties against companies or individuals who violate telemarketing regulations.

Can I block future unsolicited calls or texts?

Yes, most smartphones allow you to block numbers directly from your call or message history, and many third-party apps can help block spam.

What if the same number repeatedly contacts me despite blocking?

If a number keeps contacting you despite being blocked, you should report it to your phone service provider and include it in your complaint to a regulatory authority.

Are there any penalties for sending unsolicited messages?

Yes, depending on the jurisdiction, there can be significant penalties for companies or individuals that send unsolicited texts or make unsolicited calls.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

Do not respond to the message or call. Report it to your phone carrier and file a report with a consumer protection agency that handles fraud.

Is it effective to file a complaint online?

Yes, many regulatory bodies offer online forms for complaints that can lead to quicker responses and investigations.

Can unsolicited calls or texts be traced?

Regulatory authorities and phone carriers often have the capability to trace unsolicited contacts, especially if a large number of complaints are registered against a particular number.

Is there a difference between spam and unsolicited messages?

While both involve unwanted communications, spam typically refers to bulk messages, often for advertising, while unsolicited messages may have various purposes including scams.

What is the do-not-call registry?

It is a list you can register your phone number on to limit telemarketing calls and messages from companies with which you have no existing relationship.

Will reporting complaints stop all unsolicited contacts?

While it may not stop all unsolicited contacts, reporting helps authorities identify and take action against repeat offenders, reducing overall incidents.

Can I take legal action myself against unsolicited texters?

You may seek legal advice to determine if you can pursue action, such as filing a lawsuit under relevant telecommunication laws.

What technology can help me manage unsolicited texts and calls?

Using caller ID features, phone settings to silence unknown callers, and third-party apps can help manage unwanted communications.

How quickly will a complaint be handled?

The timeframe varies by agency and the nature of the complaint but providing detailed information can aid a faster resolution.

What is an unwanted text or phone call?

An unsolicited text or phone call is when someone sends you a message or calls you without asking first. This often happens when people are trying to sell things or trick you.

Why am I getting texts or calls I didn't ask for?

You might get unwanted texts or calls if someone has your phone number. These could be people trying to sell you things or trick you, or maybe a company you’ve shared your phone number with has given or sold it to others.

How do I stop getting unwanted texts or phone calls?

Do you get texts or calls you don't want? Here is how you can stop them.

Use blockers: You can use a phone feature or an app to block these texts or calls.

Tell your phone service: Contact your phone company. They might have ways to help you stop these calls and texts.

Do not answer: If you don't know the number, don't pick up the call. This can help.

Report it: You can tell someone in charge about the unwanted text or call. This can help stop them.

You can put your phone number on a special list that tells people not to call you if you don't want them to. You can also use tools on your phone or apps to stop calls and messages you do not want.

How can I tell my phone company about unwanted texts or calls?

Big phone companies let you send bad texts to a special number to tell them it's spam. In the US, you can send them to 7726.

Can I tell the government if someone contacts me without asking?

Yes, you can tell a government group if people contact you and you don't want them to.

If someone sends you messages or calls you, and you did not say it was okay, you can report it.

You can ask for help from someone you trust, like a family member or a friend, to help you fill out a complaint form online.

There are websites that help you with this. For example, you can visit the Information Commissioner's Office website.

You can also use tools like a phone or a computer to make a complaint.

Yes, in most cases, you can tell someone if you have a problem with a phone company. You can talk to a group that helps people with these problems. This group is different in each country.

What should I say in my complaint?

When you complain, tell them:

  • What happened.
  • Who was involved.
  • When and where it happened.
  • Why you are upset.
  • What you want them to do.

If it helps, write down what you want to say before you complain. You can also ask someone you trust to help you tell your story.

Write down the phone number that called you. Write down the time they called. Write down what they said in the message or call. Include anything else that might be important to help. Use a note-taking app or ask someone to help you remember.

Who can I talk to if I get messages or calls I didn't ask for?

If you get messages, calls, or emails you don't want, there are people who can help you. These people work at an organization that takes care of these problems.

You can use simple tools to help stop these unwanted messages or calls. Here are some ideas:

  • Tell an adult you trust so they can help you.
  • Use a blocker app on your phone to stop calls you don’t want.
  • Look for settings on your phone or email to mark messages as spam.

In many countries, there is a special group that takes care of phone and internet problems. In the United States, this group is called the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you have a problem, you can tell them about it.

What can you do if someone calls or texts you without asking?

If someone keeps calling or texting you and you don't want them to, you can take action. Here are some simple steps: 1. **Say Stop**: Tell them to stop calling or texting you. 2. **Block the Number**: Use your phone's settings to block the number. 3. **Report It**: You can tell a service like the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) or your phone company. 4. **Write Down Details**: Keep a list of times and dates they called or texted you. 5. **Get Help**: Ask a parent, friend, or teacher for advice. These steps can help stop the unwanted calls or messages.

Every place has different rules. If someone breaks the rules for telemarketing (selling things over the phone), they might have to pay money. This money is called a fine or penalty.

Can I stop unwanted calls or texts?

Yes, you can stop getting calls or texts you don't want. Here are some easy ways to do it:

  • Use the block feature on your phone. This stops numbers you choose from calling or texting you.
  • Join the "Do Not Call" list. This is a free service to stop sales calls.
  • Ask an adult to help you with apps that block unwanted calls or texts.

If you ever feel unsure, ask someone you trust for help.

Yes, most phones let you stop calls or texts from numbers you don't want. You can do this by looking at your call or message list. There are also special apps that can help stop annoying calls.

What to Do if a Blocked Number Keeps Calling?

Sometimes, you block a number, but they still call you. Here are some simple steps to help:

  • Make sure the number is blocked. Double-check your phone settings.
  • Try blocking the number again. This might help.
  • Ask a grown-up or friend for help. They can show you what to do.
  • Use ‘Do Not Disturb’. This setting can stop calls from ringing through.

If none of this works, tell someone you trust. They can help you find a solution.

If a phone number keeps calling you, even after you block it, you should tell your phone company. You can also tell an official group that deals with phone problems.

Can you get in trouble for sending messages that people didn't ask for?

Yes, people or companies can get into big trouble if they send texts or make calls that people did not ask for. This depends on the rules where they live.

What do I do if I think something is a trick?

Don't reply to the message or phone call. Tell your phone company about it, and file a report with a group that helps protect people from scams.

Does complaining on the internet work?

Yes, you can fill out a form online to tell someone about a problem. This can help them fix it faster.

Can we find out who called or texted us when we didn't ask them to?

Sometimes, we get phone calls or texts we didn’t ask for. Can we find out who sent them?

If you need help, you can use:

  • A phone app to block calls and texts.
  • Ask an adult to help report unwanted calls.
  • Use a call-tracing service from your phone company.

These tools can help you feel safer from unwanted calls or texts.

People who make rules and phone companies can often find out who is making unwanted calls. This is especially true if lots of people complain about the same phone number.

Are spam and unwanted messages the same?

No, spam and unwanted messages are not the same.

Spam: Spam is a lot of the same message sent to many people. It's often unwanted and can be annoying.

Unwanted Messages: These are messages you didn’t ask for. They can be from someone you know or don’t know.

Helpful Tools:

  • Ask someone you trust to help you understand messages.
  • Use email filters to block spam.

Spam and unsolicited messages are unwanted messages.

Spam is usually a lot of messages sent to many people. It often tries to sell you something.

Unsolicited messages are messages you didn’t ask for. They can be trying to trick you or sell you things.

Tip: You can use tools that block spam and unwanted messages. You can also ask an adult to help you stay safe from scams.

What is the Do-Not-Call List?

The Do-Not-Call List is a way to stop sales calls. If you add your phone number to the list, people selling things are not allowed to call you.

How to use it:

  • Tell someone you trust to help you sign up.
  • Use a computer or phone to join the list.

Tools that might help:

  • Ask for help from a family member or friend.
  • Use a voice-to-text app if you find reading and typing hard.

You can put your phone number on a special list. This stops companies you don't know from calling or texting you to sell things.

Can telling someone about unwanted calls or messages make them stop?

If you get calls or messages you don't want, you can tell someone. This might help to make them stop.

You can use tools to block numbers on your phone. Ask someone to help you if you need it.

Sometimes, it takes a little time for the calls or messages to stop.

If you tell the right people about unwanted calls or messages, it can help them find the bad guys. This means there might be fewer problems for everyone in the future.

Can I sue people who send me texts I didn't ask for?

You can talk to a lawyer if you want to know if you can take action, like going to court, using telecommunication laws.

What tools can help me stop unwanted texts and calls?

Caller ID can show you who is calling. You can use phone settings to stop calls from people you don’t know. There are also apps that can help stop calls you don’t want.

How fast will we fix a complaint?

The time it takes to solve a problem can be different for each place. It also depends on what the problem is. Giving lots of clear details can help fix things faster.

Useful Links

Useful Links : How can I complain against unsolicited texts and phone calls?
ICO Guide to Spam Calls and Texts

Information from the Information Commissioner's Office on handling nuisance calls and messages.
NHS on Protecting Personal Information

Guidance from the NHS on protecting your personal information.
Citizens Advice on Unwanted Calls

Advice from Citizens Advice on stopping nuisance calls and texts.
Which? Consumer Rights on Nuisance Calls

Which? guide to stopping unwanted calls and texts.
Important Information On Using This Service


This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals. If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.

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