Do Not Call Registry

Not sure where to post this, so putting on "Housing" as the phone calls are annoying.

Is there a Do Not Call Registry in the UK? I know I'm lonely and alone in a new country, but computerized voices are no comfort!

Z.A.

There is!...now if I can just remember what its called! 

Ah yes...google is my best friend 

TPS - Telephone Preference Service: http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/tps/

Oh thank you, WebyJ! Feel better already.

ZA

Unfortunately, signing up to the TPS won't completely eliminate all junk calls, since many now originate from call centers outside the U.K.   But it's certainly worth it to at least reduce the number of nuisance calls somewhat.

One other tip:  You might also receive computerized calls from BT's SMS text messaging service, which allows a text message to be sent to a regular landline number and be converted into speech for delivery.   The marketers sometimes use that service to deliver their junk sales pitch as well.   You can control the times at which messages can be delivered, or block them completely, by calling 0800 587 5252 and following the prompts to set your preferences.   (If your telephone line is set to withhold your number on outgoing calls by default, then you'll need to prefix that with 1470 so that the system can "see" your number.)

It does definately decrease the number of cold callers etc.. Doesn't get rid of them completely tho..
I've been on TPS prolly since 2000,(a year after i got here ) I also keep my number unlisted.

For those interested. Here is a great website to try to figure out who is called you especially usefull if you have caller ID. I use it all the time when i see a number i don't recognise and think it may be a cold call/advertisting call.

http://whocallsme.com/default.aspx

It does definately decrease the number of cold callers etc.. Doesn't get rid of them completely tho..
I've been on TPS prolly since 2000,(a year after i got here ) I also keep my number unlisted.

For those interested. Here is a great website to try to figure out who is called you especially usefull if you have caller ID. I use it all the time when i see a number i don't recognise and think it may be a cold call/advertisting call.

http://whocallsme.com/default.aspx

Yes it has curtailed mine severely. On the rare occasion a call comes through, I politely inform them that I am registered with the TPS. They usually apologise and say they will comply. Usually.

I normally just input the number into google but I'll try your bookmark link. Thanks

They usually apologise and say they will comply. Usually.

And for the ones who don't, who persist in calling up to six times a day, and who always have a real person calling rather than a computer, I find that a loud blast from my BT Oscillator 87J on its fastest rate as soon as I go off-hook usually gets the message across after a few times.   

Whenever I get a cold call, I just say, "Fascinating! Let me get a pen!", then I put the phone down on the side and walk away. It's usually an hour or so later that I can hear the "duh Duh DUH! Please hang up and try again" message, reminding me to hang up the phone.