Ofcom Changes on Silent Calls

Silent phone calls continue to cause unnecessary distress and anxiety for many constituents. Ofcom has recently brought into force rules rules which may help to reduce the number of silent calls received, and have increased the maximum fines that can be levied on those that break them.

Many silent calls are the result of software incorrectly identifying a person answering a phone as an answering machine, and so automatically hanging up. Ofcom have changed rules which will make such software more effective, and so make silent calls less likely.

Ofcom monitor the number of complaints made against companies, and can charge penalties of up to £2million.

Madeleine said: “I am glad that these changes could reduce the number of silent calls received by my constituents, and that companies face larger fines if they break the rules. If you have suffered from silent calls, contact Ofcom using the form at https://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/silent-calls. Ofcom do not investigate individual complaints, but they do monitor complaint levels and can take action against problem companies."

“Constituents can take measures to reduce the number of unsolicited sales and silent calls. You can register with the Telephone Preference Service by calling 0845 070 0707 or through their website http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/."