How to stop junk calls

Sadly this won't stop all calls. If you are being plagued by competition calls sometimes these are just the product of random number generators. These can be a plague, they call lots of numbers in the hope that some get through. The best thing to do here is to write the number down and then submit a complaint to the regulator PhonePayPlus (it used to be called Icstis) to get it blocked.

If you're getting silent calls, which can be generated by automatic dialling equipment in call centres, you can register with the Silent Callgard Service.

It's also possible you'll receive commercial calls from companies based outside the UK. There's very little that can be done to stop these and they can be annoying and frustrating. The best thing to do is not engage in a discussion, or some MoneySavers suggest pretending you don't speak English discuss Ways to stop overseas sales calls.

Another way to avoid receiving sales calls at home is to set up a free VOIP telephone number. Read MoneySaver Thenotsowyzewun's short guide on How to avoid nuisance calls.

Never pay to block these calls

There are reports of companies setting themselves up with names similar to the Telephone Preference Service and then writing or calling offering to block marketing calls. This however entails a fee.

There is no need to pay, do it right and it is ALWAYS free. If you get a call from someone asking for personal details or payment to complete a registration, hang up and inform theofficial TPS.