OK we give in. People complained that our new policy of not allowing withheld numbers to call our order line was causing problems. So we’ve taken the block away and you can now call us from your office or wherever. We will review the decision if we start once again to get bombarded with junk calls from abroad.
We’ve decided, reluctantly, to prevent people using withheld numbers dialling our order and information line (020 8861 3149).
Withheld number calls are incredibly annoying. They are usually used by companies trying to sell mobile phones, or advertising space, or some other rubbish product.
Our number has obviously been given out (or was previously used) by a Mr Callard. In any event, his name has somehow got onto mailing lists the world over and as a result, we get dozens of calls for him each week. We have no idea who he is.
As these calls are mostly from abroad, the Telephone Preference Society has no control over them, even though we are of course registered with the TPS.
As an aside, we also get lots of calls from people who are seeking the Incontinence helpline (yes really). We also get faxes from GP surgeries and clinics containing deeply sensitive medical information. All this because people aren’t careful enough when they dial out.
So we’re sorry if you try to phone us from work and you can’t get through (office phone systems often use withheld numbers as a matter of course and not for any nefarious reason). Phone us instead from another landline or your mobile and we will call you back.