WIREDGOV

Cold callers will no longer be able to hide or disguise their phone numbers as Government continues to crack down on nuisance calls.  From 16 May 2016, direct marketing companies registered in the UK will need to display their phone numbers when making unsolicited phone calls - even if their call centres are based abroad.

This latest move by Government follows news that a substantial number of fines totalling £895,000 have been issued by the ICO.  In 2015, this Government made it easier to fine nuisance callers by removing the need for consumers to prove that unwanted marketing calls were causing substantial distress & damage.   Companies can risk fines of up to £2m from Ofcom and a further £500,000 from the ICO if they continue to bombard consumers with unwanted calls.

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