People being harassed by nuisance calls will be given new powers to stop them from today (Saturday 8th September 2018).
Cold calls – offering to settle personal injury claims or sell payment protection insurance (PPI), for instance – will now be banned where the person being called has not chosen to ‘opt-in’ to receive them.
Previously people had to ‘opt-out’ of receiving such calls by registering with the Telephone Preference Service or withdraw their consent while on the call.
However, the new powers will force the caller to check they have the recipient’s consent before calling.
Those breaching the new rules could now be fined as much as half a million pounds by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
In the last 12 months, approximately 2.7 billion unsolicited calls, texts and emails were made to the UK’s adult population offering to help them make a claim, according to the Financial Conduct Authority.
This figure includes calls about recent accidents or mis-sold PPI, and is equivalent to approximately 50 calls, texts or emails being made to every member of the adult population.
Minister for digital, Margot James said: “Today we are one step closer to ending the menace of nuisance calls.
“Our new laws mean people will now have to give consent to receive calls and have the power to choose where they seek compensation for personal injury claims or mis sold payment protection insurance.
“This is a big boost for the Information Commissioner’s Office and will help them crack down on the cold call sharks.”
Individuals will be able to opt-in to receiving these calls by consenting to be contacted by claims companies when enquiring about settling a claim, or when seeking claims advice.
The new measures, together with the strengthened Data Protection Act, should curb the number of nuisance calls received by consumers.
If they receive nuisance calls they can report it to the ICO who will investigate and take action against those responsible.
Andy Curry, enforcement group manager at the Information Commissioner’s Office, said: “Millions of nuisance calls, texts and emails are made every year in the UK and can cause real distress to people.
“This amendment to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations will increase our ability to take action against those companies who deliberately flout the law and cause real upset and harm.”
