Government announces crack down on nuisance calls
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Government announces crack down on nuisance calls
Ever struggled to get your phone out of your pocket or handbag only to find that it’s an automated PPI call? Annoying? Well we have some good news.
The Government has recently announced changes which will make it easier for the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) to impose fines up to £500,000 on those companies making nuisance calls and texts. Nuisance calls and texts are irritating to consumers, but they can also cause distress to the more vulnerable members of society. Research conducted by Which? found that four out of five people were regularly cold-called at home, with a third left feeling intimidated.
Currently the ICO has to prove that a company caused “substantial damage or substantial distress” by making the calls before enforcement action is taken. From 6 April 2015, this requirement will be removed which will give the ICO the power to take action in more cases. The Government also confirmed that it will be looking at introducing measures to hold board level executives to account for nuisance calls and texts.
Whilst consumers can register with the Telephone Preference Service to try and stop such nuisance, rogue companies are not always following the rules. It is hoped that the changes will act as a greater deterrent and make companies think twice before harassing consumers.