Text 78070 to reduce nuisance calls

[elsiegee40]

To register, mobile customers simply text TPS followed by their email address to the shortcode 78070. They will receive a text reply from the TPS confirming their number has been successfully added to its database

 

(EDIT This service is free, but your carrier may charge you for the text. Typically this seems to be around 10p, small in the grander scheme, but check it yourself)

 

 

Text 78070 to reduce nuisance calls | Ofcom

Edited June 1, 2016 by elsiegee40

[sparkeh]

So, I did this and my phone tried to call 78070?! Any else get this or get the reply message?

[elsiegee40]

I think they're probably being bombarded. It's launch day today.

[RichCowell]

So, I did this and my phone tried to call 78070?! Any else get this or get the reply message?

 

Heard about this on the radio on my way into work then completely forgot... I did it about 10 mins ago, text sent successfully... not had the message back yet, but I'm guessing they're being flooded with texts...

[DJ-1701]

I can just imagine someone in HQ, getting annoyed... with all these 'nuisance' texts.

[Soulfish]

Woo thanks @elsiegee40 - just done this. Fed up of the number of nuisance calls I get through on my mobile asking if I've had an accident, want to relciam PPI or some other big scam!

 

At least my mobile has some directory integration so I can filter some of the more common ones now and just not answer them, but hopefully this will save me ever receiving a lot of those calls.

[sonofsanta]

One of many reasons to love CyanogenOS on my OnePlus One: it looks up any strange number, tells me who it is, and marks it as a nuisance call if the number has been reported repeatedly. And then lets you block it immediately from the call screen

 

Incidentally, if anyone ever has a repair done on their insurance through AWS Repair Group, check the paperwork you sign. It seems likely that I missed a tiny clause somewhere and gave them permission to sell my details on to claim companies, all of whom seem incredulous when I tell them I really don't want to make a claim because I was in my office while my car was in the car park and there's no "mild discomfort" to fraudulently claim £X,000 for. Repair work from AWS was fine, but this is annoying.

Edited May 27, 2016 by sonofsanta

[Arthur]

http://arstechnica.co.uk/business/2016/05/how-to-opt-out-of-spam-phone-calls-with-one-free-text-message

 

Unfortunately, because text messages are defined as "electronic mail" in the eyes of the law, signing up for the TPS (which only governs domestic phone calls) will not save you from the constant barrage of spam texts—and sadly, there's no TPS equivalent for texts and e-mails. Your best bet is to forward the spam text to 7726 (a free service provided by all mobile carriers) and to complain to the ICO. Like spam e-mail though, spam texts aren't going away any time soon.

[Joanne]

It said it was going to cost me money to send the text. Anyone know how much it is? I've sent it anyway!

[sparkeh]

It said it was going to cost me money to send the text. Anyone know how much it is? I've sent it anyway!

Mmm my phone said that, but the text is supposed to be free. I assumed that the warning was generic as those short codes usually do end up costing you.

[Steve21]

Think the number must either be shared or have changed ownership, as just looking online it shows things like:

 

Free copy of FHM for March - Text FHMMARCH to 78070 - Hot UK Deals (Note - FHM link so might be banned some places)

 

Guessing the new service is free but phones warn about others?

 

Steve

[sonofsanta]

The short numbers are usually shared, which is why you have to start them with a specific word--e.g. TPS in this case--so it can be directed appropriately.

[sparkeh]

The short numbers are usually shared, which is why you have to start them with a specific word--e.g. TPS in this case--so it can be directed appropriately.

That's what I'll tell the wife when the copies of FHM start coming through the letterbox

[elsiegee40]

Just got my registration text from TPS

[sparkeh]

Just got my registration text from TPS

Me too!

[sparkeh]

Turns out I was charged 10p for this text.

[elsiegee40]

Turns out I was charged 10p for this text.

 

Would have been useful to know in advance, but in the scheme of things it's a small price

[robk]

EE charged me 8p for this one, guessing its not free, but at least not a premium rate text. If it works its worth a few pence!

[sparkeh]

Oh I don't mind the 10p to stop the calls, just the principle of telling everyone it was free then finding out it wasn't.

[elsiegee40]

Oh I don't mind the 10p to stop the calls, just the principle of telling everyone it was free then finding out it wasn't.

 

The charge is from your carrier not the TPS. Their service is free.

 

However, normally organisations publicise that there may be a charge from your carrier even if they don't charge. And I agree that they should do this. I have amended my opening post in this thread.