EXMOUTH householders are being warned by trading standards not to pay for a free service that blocks nuisance calls.

EXMOUTH householders are being warned by trading standards not to pay for a free service that blocks nuisance calls.

Residents are call and asked for a fee, Telephone Preference Service (TPS).

TPS is the official central opt out register which records individuals preferences not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls.

It is a legal requirement that charities, voluntary organisations and political parties don't make sales calls to numbers registered on the TPS - unless they have the owner of the numbers consent to do so.

Councillor Roger Croad, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services said: "Any offer to provide consumers an anti-marketing or cold call blocking service in return for a fee should be treated with caution.

"There is already an effective free service with TPS and I would encourage anyone who would like to block unwanted calls to contact this service directly."

Scott Flower, manager of TPS said: "Consumers should always register directly with TPS. TPS is a free service and there are many ways in which people can register including a website (www.tpsonline.org.uk) and phone (0845 070 0707)."

Once registered with the TPS the Office of the Information Commissioner can investigate if householders continue to receive sales calls.

It takes about 28 days after registration before the service takes effect.

If you are still getting calls after 28 days, then you can complain to the Telephone Preference Service.

Nuisance or malicious calls should be reported via the operator of consumers telephone service provided (100 for BT Customers) and calls containing threats are a criminal offence.

However TPS service can not stop companies from calling where your permission has been give and has little jurisdiction to prevent sales calls made from outside of the UK.

Anyone wanting advice in relation to scams and consumer goods and services generally can phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

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