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| •A telephone keypad – picture from FreeFoto.com |
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Businesses can block unwanted phonecalls from direct marketing firms under new measures coming into force today. (Friday 25th June 2004)
Communications Minister Stephen Timms said that while direct marketing by phone can be a useful business tool, many firms just don't have the resources to cope.
"This measure gives those firms the option to say no to cold calls," he said.
Firms can block the calls by writing to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and registering the numbers that should not be called.
Direct marketers will be responsible for checking the TPS before they make calls.
The Office of the Information Commissioner will enforce the measures.
Breaching an enforcement notice could lead to a fine of £5,000 per offence in a magistrates court or an unlimited fine before a jury.
The move follows consultation with business organisations including the British Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Business.
Firms can register their telephone numbers online through the TPS website.
Your Comments
"Thanks very much for the details on how to stop unsolicited marketing calls and silent calls! I object very much to having a cheerful computer voice saying "Hi!" and then going on to tell me about some fantastic prize i have "won". And answering the phone to find there is no one there."
Rev Stephne van der Toorn - Holbury
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