Many of us have had the same experience. You’re sitting down for your dinner and the phone rings. You answer it and it’s somebody trying to sell you double glazing or a kitchen. As you settle down on the sofa to watch your favourite show, the phone rings again and this time it’s a “marketing company” wanting to know every detail of your shopping habits. Now West Dunbartonshire Trading Standards are advising local residents how they can put and end to these unwanted calls.
Councillor Craig McLaughlin explains "Unwanted phone calls are a real nuisance for people, particularly the elderely. Junk mail is also a source of annoyance to residents not to mention the environmental impact of the waste it generates."
Trading Standards Officer Nicky Johnston goes onto say “There is an organisation called the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) which you can register with to prevent these sort of calls. Both landline and mobile numbers can be registered. Registration is easy, and free, and takes only a couple of minutes.” For further details and access to the online registration process go to www.tpsonline.org.uk. If you don’t have internet access you can register by phone on 0845 070 0707 (local call rates apply).
A similar scheme exists for posted letters called the Mailing Preference Service (MPS). For details go to www.mpsonline.org.uk.
If you require any further information or any advice from Trading Standards can call 01389 738552.
