Cold callers ‘should be banned’, Which? survey finds

Three-quarters of people want cold calling to be banned, according to a survey by consumer group Which?

It found big companies, including British Gas, BT and Sky, were “just as guilty” of using the tactic as scam callers.

Of the 2,092 people questioned by Which?, a quarter said they had felt intimidated by cold calls.

The Direct Marketing Association said the industry had improved but admitted “there is still some way to go”.

Which? reckons the average consumer receives six cold calls a month, and found two-thirds of people surveyed had received at least one unsolicited call within the last three months.

It is not illegal for companies to seek new customers in this way, but householders can choose to opt-out of receiving cold calls.

So-called “silent calls” – where companies use “auto diallers” to phone multiple numbers but do not have enough staff to speak immediately to all those who answer – were also investigated.

Nearly a third of respondents reported being on the receiving end of “silent calls”, 60% of whom said they immediately hang up when it happened………………….

Here at NPA we have always campaigned against the hard sell approach. As far as we are concerned, if you want our service, you’ll call us! We never hassle our customers, so beware of textured wall coating companys who do so, they must be desperate for the work!!!!!!!

Continue reading the main story on the BBC news website

editors comment: Surely Which themselves cold called people to find this out?! LOL

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