Cold Calling after a road accident in the UK

What is it and how to protect yourself from it? Cold Calling is one of the most annoying marketing practices in the UK. It most often occurs after a road traffic accident in England or Wales and is sales-oriented.

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Companies call people who have never given consent for contact, trying to persuade them to use their services. In the legal industry, this is a prohibited practice.

Unfortunately, such calls are often the result of insurers selling their clients' data. It is therefore worth knowing how to protect yourself from such situations.

How to reduce the number of unwanted calls?

1. Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

Register your number with the TPS or call 08450700707. Companies operating in the UK cannot make marketing calls to people listed in this register. Registration is free.

However, remember that the TPS does not fully protect you from: fraudsters, market research calls, calls from companies you have previously given consent to contact, or calls from outside the UK. If you also want to reduce email spam, you should additionally register with the Mail Preference Service (MPS).

2. Remove your data from telephone directories

Request the removal of your phone number from online directories and paper phone books. This will limit the ability of marketing companies to find you. Also, check the forms you fill out – ticking the wrong option may mean you consent to your data being shared.

If a company has already contacted you, demand the removal of your data from their database. It is best to do this in writing to leave a formal record.

3. Identify incoming calls

Only answer calls from numbers you know. Credible callers usually leave a voicemail message.

4. Save and block numbers

If you receive a cold call, note down the phone number and the name of the company. You can block the number in your phone's settings to avoid further contact attempts.

Remember – you have the right to privacy and to the protection of your data. If you want to effectively reduce unwanted calls, follow the steps above and do not be afraid to enforce your rights.