All Press Releases:
World Alzheimer's Day: Canvassers take Advantage of Sufferers
Cold calling in itself has a bad reputation for putting the public through stress. The inconvenience is considerably higher for those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia due to their levels of confusion. When high pressured sales tactics are inflicted on those suffering from such diseases, it is easy for canvassers to take advantage of the householder's vulnerability.
With World Alzheimer's Day fast approaching on the 21 September, the issue of Alzheimer's sufferers targeted by telemarketers for their vulnerability has never been addressed. It is time that the industry is questioned over the virtue of its cold calling practice.
Call centre staff are typically not aware of the implications their calls could have on householders as there's no way of addressing whether someone is suffering from Alzheimer's disease over the telephone. High pressured sales tactics could be the most daunting encounter to a customer experiencing the illness. Sufferers are often inclined to give their consent to avoid the hassle.
Over 1.5 billion nuisance calls are made to the British public every year. BT receives more than 100,000 queries every month from individuals who are concerned about silent calls, which can be particularly discerning for those suffering from mental illnesses and alike.
There are currently 750,000 people suffering from dementia in the UK, with over 16,000 younger people suffering from the disease. By 2025 there will be over a million people with dementia. The proportion of people with dementia doubles for every five year age group, with one third of people over 95 suffering. 60,000 deaths a year are due to dementia.¹
Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would reduce deaths directly attributable to dementia by 30,000 a year. This could be further reduced through limiting the stress placed on patients at home.
'Our customers are frequently coming to us with concerns over their mental health due to nuisance calling. We have helped many relatives of Alzheimer's sufferers to stop the nuisance calls. Patients are known to accept what canvassers tell them which often leads to them buying numerous products and services, whatever they may be. The elderly in particular spend a lot of time at home and calls are placing significant risks to their health', says Kathryn Powell of CPR Global.
The financial cost of dementia to the UK is over 20 billion a year and family carers save the UK over 6 billion a year. Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community. Carers and sufferers need to focus on protecting their phone lines from cold callers, rogue traders and fraudsters.
Cold calling is the most negligent form of direct marketing as many customers have to endure several nuisance calls in one day, with the most vulnerable of the population becoming targets for marketers. In effect, if these cases were individual, many could be considered as abuse in breach of the Hate Crime Disability law.
Alzheimer's sufferers and their carers must also be aware that if something is bought as the result of a cold call, under distance selling regulations the customer has seven working days from the day after receipt of the item to change their mind and return it.
A recent example in the Mirror brought about an astonishing account of a 93 year old man who had been signed up to five phone providers at one time. Shockingly Ofcom told Maurice Hayward, the gentleman's father that nothing illegal had taken place, none of the companies had covered them selves with glory, as the accounts had been set up as a result of cold calls when it would have been obvious to see that he was not in full control of his mental faculties.
OfCom's latest plans to combat persistent silent calls made to UK householders will now be enforced by a 2 million fine if they proceed in calling households more than once within the space of 24 hours. However, the law doesn't apply to the 31% of calls which come from overseas companies. CPR Global are the only service to prevent overseas companies from calling their customers, as well as UK based. They are also the only anti-nuisance call service provider to have a dedicated customer care team ready to handle individual enquiries and rogue companies.
CPR Global is the most effective service in eliminating the hassle of nuisance calls. Cold calling can affect people in different ways and for those who suffer from Alzheimer's, dementia or even depression, the calls can have dire effects on their anxiety levels which can result in adverse health implications.
Customers of CPR Global can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even mobiles, for 39.75 they can rest assured that the family is covered wherever they are. Those who are experiencing nuisance calls should consider registering their details with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com.
1 - Alzheimer's Society Statistics, found at: http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=200120&documentID=341&pageNumber=1
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| 'Tis the Season to be Wary |
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As soon as 'charity' is uttered, our conscience tells us to dig deep in to our pockets during this festive season. However, there have been cases of illegitimate charity collectors with their tactics turning to cold calling.
Over 70 per cent of the UK public have claimed to have been a victim of a phone scam over the last twelve months. Until now there hasn't been a sound solution to the problem. The CPR Call Blocker is a device that can put a stop to scams as well as unsolicited calls in general.
27 per cent of all people surveyed would feel more comfortable in passing on information to a charity, rather than an organisation.
Around this time of year, stories also emanate about loan sharks and increased lending from UK consumers. Due to the economic struggle of 2010, unsolicited calls perpetrating debt and loan management companies are eminent. At the height of the recession, CPR Global estimated that 230,137 calls from debt and loan management companies alone.With more than 28,000 agents managing annual borrowing of approximately 3bn, the industry is lucrative and inviting. Annual interest rates on loans are known to be as extensive as 1,500 per cent and in times of crisis, this appears to be the only way out for many. Avoiding the temptation of such schemes can be done with the aid of a CPR Call Blocker.
The Call Blocker is pre-programmed with 200 telemarketers and scam telephone numbers that are recognised as being the most persistent companies to CPR Global. Its unique 'block now' application means 100 extra telephone numbers can be blocked. The device can block a range of calls including telemarketing, scams, harassment call, malicious calls, silent calls, automated calls, personal calls and even more.
Phone Scams are an extreme irritant and the worst case scenario can swindle thousands of pounds from the unsuspecting. Fewer than 5 per cent of people report fraudulent solicitations to appropriate authorities. CPR Global stresses that although their Call Blocker can prevent such fraud, consumers should report suspicious attempts to Action fraud on 0300 123 2040 to protect others.
To save time and money, consider purchasing the most affordable Call Blocker on the market at 47.75. You can do this by enquiring on CPR Global's free phone line 0800 652 7780 or alternatively by visiting www.cprcallblocker.com.
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Cold Calling Kids in Northern Ireland
The public may be protecting their homes with 'no cold calling zones' and perhaps by registering with the TPS, but many parents are forgetting to protect their children from receiving high pressured sales calls to their mobiles.
What's more is that mobile phones are being used to make 'micropayments', where the public is able to pay for goods via mobile phone bills (1). This makes it increasingly easier for children to make unsolicited purchases without parental permission. The recession has seen an increase in attempts to attain money from the public.
PhonePayPlus received 4,851 complaints in just the first three months of 2009. Figures from Northern Ireland raise concerns to children's use of mobile phones. In Northern Ireland 62% of children aged five to 15 own a mobile phone. This was one of the highest in the UK according to OFCOM.
In the same survey, 18% of children in Northern Ireland said if all media activity was taken away from them, mobile phones would be missed the most, the highest response in the UK. Children are being targeted by marketing companies who try to sell products and services that are clearly not needed by children.
The head and nervous system are still developing into the teenage years and an expert group considered that if there are any undiscovered health risks from mobile phone use, then children and young people would be most at risk. Therefore the use of mobile phones by children under the age of 16 should be discouraged from non-essential calls.
Unnecessary calls are part of the bigger problem and with more children owning mobile phones today than ever before, the problem is getting worse. According to a survey by CPR Global, the UK's leading anti-nuisance calls service provider 1.5 billion unwanted sales calls are made to UK consumers every year and an estimated figure of just over 4.1 million of those calls being made to Northern Ireland every year. The region urgently needs to protect their phone lines as well as their children's mobile phones and CPR Global is the service that can help prevent such nuisance.
It has also emerged that students are being marked as prime targets for criminal activity with it affecting one in five of all students. 43% of students report to feel that they are at a higher risk of becoming a victim than anyone else in the country. This leaves the majority of the public susceptible to high pressured sales tactics and scams.
Roaming charges are also of great concern to students looking to travel during their holidays. Unnecessary cold calls to those who are abroad are leaving students with massive bills, through no fault of their own.
Kathryn Powell of CPR Global understands how the influx of marketing calls can affect people in various ways. She said 'Parents who are looking to protect their children's phone lines and welfare should really bear in mind the benefits of the service and indeed the positive impact that it can have on their spare time. The service helps to prevent marketers from persuading the vulnerable to purchase unwanted products and services.”
Customers of CPR Global are rating the service as the fifth most trusted emergency service that they turn to after the police, the ambulance, the fire brigade and road side assistance. There's always someone to speak to and many are taking advantage of this fact, with customers calling for advice on bizarre claims that some companies are making. This is helpful for students who need someone to talk to during frightening and vulnerable times, which our advisors are always happy to help with.
Customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even your kid's mobiles, you can rest assured that the family is covered wherever they are. For 39.75, CPR Global is available for its customers throughout the year, ready to handle any complaints and to offer helpful advice with ease.
Those who are experiencing a surge of nuisance calls should consider registering their details with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com.
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(Source 1) 8 June 2009, Financial Times: Premium-rate line scam complaints in UK soar, Available at: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/72c529ec-53ba-11de-be08-00144feabdc0.html
New Silent Call Regulations aren't what they're cracked up to beConsumers are to be spared of silent calls after MP's permitted OfCom to impose a 2 million fine for companies that fail to abide by the new regulations. However, there are reservations as to what extent the new rules will address the problem.
The rules stipulate that a recorded message must be played within two seconds of the call being answered and that no more than one silent call should be made within the space of 24 hours.
Ofcom has reported that of the 70% of consumers who have complained about silent calls, most had received two or more from the same company on the same day. The calls can be disturbing for people who are home alone, especially for the elderly and vulnerable. Those who rush to the phone to find that there is nobody there experience extreme resentment. Not knowing who is on the other end of the line is daunting in itself and silent calls can create fear in an already anxious population.
Research from CPR Global the UK's leading anti-nuisance call blocker, shows that a significant number of new customers have registered with the service as a direct response to the frequent silent calls made by companies. OfCom researchers also found that 47% of adults felt 'very inconvenienced' by silent calls and 32% were 'very concerned'. OfCom have already received over 6,800 complaints about silent calls for 2010 so far.
The new rules are thought to prevent companies from using predictive diallers excessively. This means that the worst affected should no longer receive repeated silent calls in a single day. The systems are used by telemarketing firms to bulk-call potential customers which often fail to connect to an agent upon a call being answered. As a result, the call is abandoned for the customer to hear silence.
However liberating the change of regulations appear to be, OfCom's plans only prevent silent calls from occurring more than three per cent of the total call volume of a call centre each day. This could fetch further problems regarding monitoring the silent calls due to the significant amount of call centres in the UK today.
Take the Conservative Party for example; they made over a million calls in the run up to the General Election. Three per cent of a million calls equate to 30,000 calls. Some companies collectively exceed a million calls due to their numerous call centres across the globe. 30,000 abandoned calls would not result in any action from Ofcom as this figure would still lie within the regulations. Silent calls will still be permitted for once a day, which is still more than enough for most people. The problem also lies within the resistance to actually enforce the penalties on companies.
The new regulations make it increasingly difficult for companies to carry out their direct marketing activities. However the rules do not apply to overseas companies. It is a major concern that those wanting to continue their bad practice will simply move their operations offshore, enabling them to conduct their business without UK limitations.
We are currently in a market where 31% of the sales and nuisance calls are made from overseas organisations. CPR Global is a service committed to preventing 100% of unwanted sales calls from both overseas and UK based companies.
Contrary to popular belief, the regulations don't actually come in to play until February and many articles are stipulating otherwise. It has also been reported that Ofcom and ICO are not able to handle individual complaints,it is only when the complaints reach a certain level that they have the ability to enforce action on those companies.
Kathryn Powell of CPR Global says "We handle customers' complaints on an individual basis which always results in full compliance from the firms, simply because they want to avoid the penalties. We are one of the only companies who can enforce the regulations to each individual rogue company."
CPR Global can eliminate silent calls to households by tackling the root of the problem at the data houses. By offering our data list free of charge to data companies, it enables an easy and affordable service for companies to abide by. Now that the new regulations have been decided with respect to firms having to leave a message during a silent call, it makes it even easier for CPR Global to put a stop to the nuisance.
For 39.75, customers can register three telephone numbers, including mobiles with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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Sharing is not Always Caring
As the details of 100 million Facebook profiles are collected and published around the Internet, it is highlighting issues regarding Facebook's privacy. The overlying message is advising the public to seriously consider taking their data protection to the next level.
Identity theft surged 23% in the first quarter of 2010, leaving many consumers unaware to how their precious data is used. The public's desires to share information on social media, whilst striving for privacy in all other areas leaves doubt over the public's attitudes towards security issues.
Year on year, identity fraud has risen exponentially, with the average financial loss in 2009 reported at 1,100 by Experian. Victims are taking longer to realise financial losses, which means that fraudsters are improving their tactics. The average time taken to discover the loss is 416 days, up 17 days from 2008.
Fraudsters are altering profiling habits, where the affluent population was previously targeted, the 18 34 age groups now account for a third of ID theft victims. The target is now directed at those less cautious about data protection.
Social media has been labelled as 'the next generation of leads'. Users' information is being treated as potential sales that can turn cold calls in to warm calls.
Facebook has been under scrutiny for its lack of data protection. As the legislation currently stands, any data shared is under the ownership of Facebook. So many people are oblivious to the value of their data that some are even sharing their telephone numbers and addresses with the unknown virtual world.
Tim Muris was appointed to deal with privacy and security issues for Facebook. Ironically, Muris was the creator of America's 'Do-not-call' registry, similar to the Call Prevention Registry in the UK. Perhaps this will change the face of Facebook and its controversial privacy rights to become more like the policies of the Call Prevention Registry.
Marketing companies are taking advantage of negligence towards privacy, as are organised crime groups. Unsolicited phone calls are the main shape of identity fraud due to the displacement of trust when speaking on the phone. If a person sounds professional enough, consumers are likely to believe almost anything.
Such calls made to customers of the Call Prevention Registry can be reported if they fail to comply with their instructions not to call such customers. It is unlawful to make unsolicited telesales calls to those who have expressed their wishes not to receive such calls.
The Call Prevention Registry eliminates unwanted sales calls and attempts to abolish fraudulent attempts with an investigative follow up on behalf of their customers for any problem companies that are encountered. Attaining as much information as possible from the caller and reporting them is the best way to combat offenders.
'Putting your information on the Internet can be dangerous. Our customers should think twice before doing so. We strongly urge people to join our register so we can eradicate nuisance calls that may lead to fraud” says Kathryn Powell of the Call Prevention Registry.
The Call Prevention Registry insists that registering with their service is vital in protecting yourself against identity theft. However, this isn't enough to combat identity theft, the public must be aware that sharing such revealing information comes with consequences.
As technology is advancing, it seems that criminals are always one step ahead of us. Society needs to take measures to protect themselves from such crime. Since social networking has arrived on the scene, marketing companies have learnt to exploit the medium. Due to the free nature of the websites, collecting data has become too easy. With the public's data so readily available, companies are using it to find potential customer bases with unlimited access to their lives.
Customers can register their details with Call Prevention Registry by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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Sharing in Scotland is not Always Caring
According to the Call Prevention Registry, 252 million (¼ billion) sales and nuisance telephone calls are made to Scottish consumers every year. An increasing amount of marketing companies are using social media for marketing purposes and the ¼ billion could increase due to the mass of data revealed online.
With nearly 84,000 Facebook members signed up to the group 'No one is perfect. However, being Scottish is close enough', it suggests that the Scottish Facebook population is far beyond this figure and still growing.
A WebProNews survey said that of the 900 marketers questioned, 88% indicated they were employing social media for marketing purposes, with 64% of marketers using social media for 5 hours or more each week and an astonishing 39% are using it for 10 hours a week.
As the details of 100 million users are collected and published as an appeal to highlight issues regarding Facebook's privacy, the Call Prevention Registry advises the Scottish public to seriously consider taking their data protection to the next level.
There is a misleading connection between the public and their desires to share information on social media. Whilst the public strive for privacy in their lives when it comes to social media, it transpires into negligence. This leaves questionable doubt over the public's attitudes towards security issues.
Identity theft surged 23% in the first quarter of 2010, leaving many consumers unaware to how their precious data is used. This isn't surprising considering the boom in social media over the recent months. The public remain oblivious to the value of their data with some are even sharing their telephone numbers and addresses with the unknown virtual world.
Fraudsters and marketers are altering profiling habits, where the affluent population was previously targeted, the 18 34 age groups now account for a third of ID theft victims. The target is now directed at those less cautious about data protection. Where the focus was London's prosperous population, there is now an increasing risk for those situated in smaller towns and villages such as those in Scotland.
The Call Prevention Registry eliminates unwanted sales calls and attempts to abolish fraudulent attempts with an investigative follow up for any discrepancies that customers may encounter. Attaining as much information as possible from the caller and reporting them is the best way to combat offenders.
'Putting your information on the Internet can be dangerous. Our customers should think twice before submitting valuable information. Due to the overwhelming number of nuisance calls in Scotland, together with their strong social media community, we strongly urge the Scottish public to join our register so we can eradicate nuisance calls that could even lead to fraud” says Kathryn Powell of the Call Prevention Registry.
However, this isn't enough to combat identity theft, the public must be aware that sharing such revealing information comes with consequences. Facebook has been labelled as 'the next generation of leads'. Users' information is now being used for potential sales within call centre environments, turning cold calls in to warm calls.
The Scottish public needs to take precautions to protect themselves from such crime. Since social networking has arrived on the scene, marketing companies have learnt to exploit the medium. With the public's data so readily available, companies are using it to find potential customer bases with unlimited access to their lives.
Customers can register their details with Call Prevention Registry by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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Scotland's Hate Crime Law offers Hope to the Vulnerable
According to the Call Prevention Registry the UK's leading anti-nuisance calls service provider, over a quarter of a billion unwanted telemarketing and nuisance calls are made to Scottish households each year.
Scotland faces the largest increase in the number of people aged 65 and over (2). 13 per cent of people aged 70 years and over in Scotland have both long-term illnesses and disabilities compared with two per cent of 30-39 year olds (1).
The Call Prevention Registry has the highest success rate of blocking nuisance and unwanted sales calls than any other service provider in the UK. Under Government legislation by the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, it is unlawful to make unsolicitedtelesales/marketing calls to individuals who have expressed their wish not to receive such calls.With 70 per cent of phone owners claiming to have been a victim of phone scams, the disabled and elderly population of Scotland in particular are facing prolonged nuisance calls, causing discomfort and aggravation. Companies who persist in harassing people through 'cold-calling' could face more severe sentences in court if those vulnerable people have requested the calls to stop.
For many elderly people who suffer from these nuisance calls, due to Scotland's Hate Crime Law it could now be deemed as racist intent because of their vulnerability. They are at risk of distress and injury through ongoing harassment from persistent telemarketing calls and this can now be dealt with more seriously by the law. However, this law will only be effective for consumers who have registered with the Call Prevention Registry, expressing their wishes not to be harassed due to their circumstances.
The elderly generation in Scotland are among the most vulnerable in the UK. In 2004, 56 per cent of women aged 85 or over lived alone. This figure is projected to rise to 70 per cent by 2024 (2). The elderly are known to be anxious and frightened when alone and receiving nuisance calls, especially during evenings. Lonely elderly people are subjected to scams simply because they want someone to talk to; many marketing companies are exploiting this.
These figures leave uncertainty to the morals behind telesales and marketing calls, generating doubt over the virtue of such telesales companies' principles. Elderly people's fears over their safety and security at home are amongst the worst consequences of nuisance calls. This has proven to have an adverse affect on their health.
Kathryn Powell of the Call Prevention Registry says 'Despite the increasing population of over 65's in Scotland, they stand to be the most disadvantaged elderly people in the UK. It is shocking to see that their vulnerability is an appeal for marketing companies”.
Nuisance calls to vulnerable households affect the elderly occupiers in many ways. Falls are one of the biggest risks to elderly individuals who live at home and can result in a range of outcomes such as minor bruises and fractures, which can result in further disability and dependence and can affect social enjoyment and mobility. The alarming fact is that these falls can result in death.
Elderly people rushing to answer the phone are in danger of limiting their lives. Every five hours an older person dies after a fall at home. Falls represent the most frequent and serious types of accident in the over 65 age group, with 1 in 3 elderly people experiencing a serious fall every year (3).
'With the hate crime law introduced in Scotland, it will now be even easier to prosecute unlawful companies who continuously refuse to abide by the rules. The offending companies will now have to tread very carefully to prevent any further action being taken” says Kathryn Powell of the Call Prevention Registry.
The Call Prevention Registry can put a stop to you and your relatives suffering this kind of abuse and it is the only organisation that has the ability to block calls from overseas based sales companies as well as in the UK.
Customers of the Call Prevention Registry are rating the service as the fifth most trusted emergency service that they turn to after the police, the ambulance, the fire brigade and road side assistance. There's always someone to speak to and many are taking advantage of this fact, calling for advice on bizarre claims that some companies are making. Elderly customers in particular are simply calling for someone to talk to during frightening and vulnerable times, which our advisors are always happy to help with.
Customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even your mobile, you can rest assured that you'd be covered wherever you are. For 39.75, the Call Prevention Registry is available for its customers throughout the year, ready to handle any complaints and to offer helpful advice with ease.
Those who are experiencing a surge of nuisance calls should consider registering their details with Call Prevention Registry by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is also available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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(Source 2 - All our futures: Planning for a Scotland with an Ageing population http://
www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/03/14163202/2)
(Source 3 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/care/OlderPeopleCare/)Fallsgroup
Reaching out of the RecessionAs the nation steps out of the recession the public must learn not be hasty with their spending. UK economic growth has risen 1.1% in the second quarter of 2010, more than twice its economic expectations. The public should remain alert to high pressured sales tactics that are targeting people during susceptible times.
According to the Call Prevention Registry, the UK's leading anti-nuisance call provider, this is a time when the public must remain vigilant to the reams of sales people that will be cold calling with vengeance this summer due to the news of economic growth.
Over 1.5 billion nuisance calls are made to the British public every year with over half a million receiving over 30 unwelcome calls per month. The British Crime Survey reveals that 1.5 million people a year receive repeated malicious calls and more than 70 % of Brits surveyed believe they have been a victim of a phone scam in the last year.
230,137 unsolicited calls were made daily to UK consumers by debt management and personal loan companies, playing on the public's concerns over the recession. This is an example of what to expect over the next few months as Britain's economy continues to grow.
More than 60 % of UK households are already registered on TPS and are still faced with nuisance calls. Where the TPS have failed, the Call Prevention Registry has succeeded in that they are available to tackle the rare complaints with a fully compliant process, with the law always on their side.
The growth in economic prosper brings with it a false sense of security within the public's attitude towards the psychologies of buying. The public perception of the recession has tied many people down over the last few years and news of respite could draw the public out of a depression and in to the false security of signing up to credit and loans.
As the fastest quarterly expansion since 2006, the overall message is advising the public not to read too much into the figures as the economy hasn't actually recovered to its full potential. Registering with the Call Prevention Registry could effectively reduce the temptation for the public getting into financial debt.
Those who are receiving lots of nuisance calls should consider registering with the Call Prevention Registry, an organisation that keeps a do-not-call list. Customers can register their details with by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com.
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Clairvoyants' Exploiting the Bereaved Psychics are being revealed for targeting the grieving and exploiting them for profit. Questions are raised over how these psychics are aware that there has been a death close to home.
Giving the grieving false hope with absurd claims of being able to communicate with a deceased loved one at such a vulnerable time can often result in a further loss of money. Once the clairvoyants have enough information and an idea of victims' willingness to fall for a scheme like this, victims become inundated with marketing calls and letters offering similar services.
This is similar to the suckers list that circulates contact details of those who have fallen victim to a scam in the past. The lists are useful for marketers because it is highly likely that these people will fall for another scam.
The psychics address victims by name so clearly this information is in circulation but the question is, by whom? It seems as though the boundaries are now blurred as there was a time where families were given space to grieve, rather than having someone exploit their loss at the first opportunity.
A staggering 1.5 billion nuisance calls are made to the British public every year and over 70 per cent of phone owners claim to have been victim of a phone scam over the last twelve months.
On average, cold callers have up to 300 call backs in what is called the 'sales pipeline'. This suggests that if you've been stung by these types of calls, you're more than likely to be targeted again and again as sales people rarely take no for an answer.
Research shows 62 per cent of callers contact customers up to four separate occasions with twelve per cent contacting clients on more than ten occasions. Sales canvassers can be tirelessly persistent and have no regard for the individual's personal situation.
Products like the CPR Call Blocker are designed to combat a wide range of scams. The device is ideal for deterring phone pests as it's pre-programmed with 200 of the most persistent companies and scam artists known to CPR Global. The device offers the user a chance to block a further 100 telephone numbers at their discretion which is very useful for deterring pests as and when they call.
For more information or to purchase the CPR Call Blocker, contact the CPR Global team on 0800 652 7780 or visit www.cprcallblocker.com.
Social Media Used to Drive Sales and Collect Personal Data: Are Users Fully Aware?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Our privacy concerns are taking a whole new meaning as technologies such as Facebook Places and other services alike, take shape.
Facebook's Places has been released for mobile users. Soon, the application will permit companies to attract potential customers based on their location. Applications like these are expected to captivate 80% of companies marketing strategies in the next year.
With this advance in technology, companies are able to track down potential customers within a specific location, using both GPS navigation and IP addresses of mobile phones. Promotional deals will then be sent to consumers via a text message. This could prove to be controversial because companies will presumably have access to our personal information. This type of data is highly valued within the marketing industry and it leaves the market open for trading our private information.
Journalism professor, Adam Penenberg tweeted 'I know ad hackers who spider Facebook, Digg, and hack iTunes, then cross-reference user names and data, and create dossiers to sell to marketers.
A web spider is a program which scans the Internet and generates the relevant information based on the search credentials. He goes on to say 'It used to be people wanted to know if the FBI had a file on them. Nowadays we all have files, but the FBI isn't doing it. Marketers are”.
Facebook stated that companies are unable to physically see users' information. However, since its emergence there have been countless attempts to infiltrate the system so the question lies in whether we can truly trust that our information is safe in the hands of the Internet giants. The ability to opt out of the Places application is available, however it is not clearly indicated.
Unbeknown to many, Facebook has an integrated phonebook from which all friends' telephone numbers can be displayed. As Facebook's argument stands that only the user can access this information, it fails to address the possibility of accounts being hacked, used by other people and accounts left unattended.
70% of users are willing to disclose information, making Facebook a valuable platform of demographic data for marketers. Over a quarter of users aren't familiar with the privacy features and 38% of users simply choose not to use them.
Those who use the social media platform will understand that there has been an abundance of 'cold' contacts, where people you've no connection with, send a friend request. Many just accept these requests without understanding the consequences.
Groups on Facebook such as "lost my phone!!!!! need ur numbers!!!!!" are a common theme. Most are marked as 'public', or 'visible to everyone'. Many don't understand what that means in Facebook's terms. 'Everyone' literally means everyone; whether they're on Facebook or not, which includes search engines and marketing companies, actively seeking data on a daily basis.
Tom Scott's Evil website is designed to exploit the flaw in the privacy matters. It consistently scoops out telephone numbers for all to see. This illustrates how easy it is for data brokers and lead generation companies to put together algorithms for an individual's habits and general information. Data in today's world is worth a considerable amount with some data brokers being paid six figure salaries.
As technology is progressing, our information is becoming ever more accessible to anyone with access to the Internet. Users can gather information from the electoral register, census data, phone directories, together with births, deaths and marriage registers. These websites contain a catalogue of information including names of those living within a household, their age, telephone numbers and even their actual address. This coupled with the new social media advances are certainly a cause for concern.
CPR Global actively seeks out various ways that companies and brokers can access your information, in order to prevent the influx of unsolicited calls to their customer's home. For instance, by keeping your details off website forms, it can prevent your data being processed and passed on to third party companies.
CPR Global's fully compliant service succeeds in eliminating the calls from their customer's lives by eradicating their personal details from the data lists that are distributed around the world.
As well as this, their complaints process ensures that companies follow the letter of the law because they are issued with a fine if they fail to comply with the legislations.
CPR Global prides itself as one of the only services to eradicate this type of nuisance at a 99% success rate. At the same time they offer informed advice on how to combat privacy issues which can lead to unsolicited contact from companies.
For 39.75 customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected with CPR Global, throughout the year. Those who are experiencing nuisance calls should register their details by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com.
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Help Police Forces Save Resources on Less Urgent Call Outs
Public spending cuts are certainly a cause for concern, especially for the future of Britain's police forces. Unfortunately this can also affect the running of local community services.
Police Chiefs are making every effort to refrain from forcing officers to retire. An area predicted to face the brunt of the cuts is call outs that are considered to be less urgent cases, such as harassment calls.
Those who receive such calls on a regular basis could argue that they are as urgent as any other. However, there are now advances in technology which can put a stop to nuisance calls of every nature, without the need for police intervention.
Talking about the cuts, Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell, of the Association of Chief Police Officers said "It means I've got to think very different about how I police and how I spend every pound.”
Better procurement is highlighted as a key way to save police funding. Using new inventions that save precious police time is vital in surviving the impending cuts.
Harassment calls can cause anxiety, depression and paranoia which in turn, inspire other problems to follow such as heart problems and mental illnesses. Preventing these calls is one of the easiest things to do with the use of the right equipment.
The CPR Call Blocker allows the user to block up to 100 telephone numbers which plague their line. The device is also pre-programmed with 200 of the most persistent telemarketers and scam telephone numbers that are recognised by CPR Global. This enables the consumer to have control over their privacy.
Whilst the cuts are predicted to be detrimental to those in the public sector, the general public should anticipate further consequences. According to CPR Global, the cuts are feared to bring a hoard of marketing calls from callers across the globe as the UK is in danger of international focus for money making schemes and scams.
A spokesperson for CPR Global said "For a long time, police forces have been left to deal with the nuisance of harassment calls. With no alternative than to chase up queries with phone providers and spend time trying to work out who the offenders are, there is now a cheaper and faster alternative that can put a stop to the problem with a touch of a button and that is the CPR Call Blocker."
Although the cuts are made to allay government debt, they will prove disastrous for personal debt which is likely to snowball back in to the government. Therefore, the nation should prepare for an increase in unsolicited calls to their households, just as CPR Global recorded 230,137 calls from debt and loan management companies during the height of the recession.
For more information or to purchase the CPR Call Blocker, contact the CPR Global team on 0800 652 7780 or visit www.cprcallblocker.com.
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Surge of Nuisance Calls due to Hard Times and Back Street Call CentresNuisance calls are expected to escalate as more call centres are being set up across the country. It has emerged that there has been an influx of back street call centres.
It is becoming easier for laymen to set up call centres with the profit outweighing the initial cost of setting such a company up. Through difficult times such as the recession there was a stark rise in calls from loan and debt management companies, the Call Prevention Registry reported a total of 230,137 calls as the nation reached the height of the crisis.
As we enter into a recovery, consumers should expect to see a similar occurrence with companies playing on the public's false sense of security. Financial companies of all shapes and sizes are able to seek a gap in the market and exploit it to its full potential.
London's unemployed population has increased by 12,000 to make a total of 383,000 unemployed citizens within the region. Marketers can see opportunities like this to play on region's financial difficulties and so they can easily target that area for debt management cold calls.
On the other hand, marketing companies are known to target affluent regions like London. The focus has also shifted to the 18-34 age groups who are considered to be less cautious towards their privacy and financial matters. Taking into consideration London's top ranking on the RBS Student Living Index, together with its host of youthful and vibrant habitants, the region should remain vigilant to high pressured sales tactics as they are the prime targets for scams and marketing ploys.
London is subjected to a massive amount of nuisance calls, with just under 18 million calls directed to the region last year.
It is also understood that call centers are using auto-dialers and robo-calls which are actually illegal in many states of America. This means that more people are being harassed at a persistent rate. Consumers are unable to talk to callers to tell them to not to call again and the sales rapport is failing to relate to the customers at a sympathetic level.
Silent calls can also be very intimidating for the elderly and vulnerable. Although legislation stipulates that any call made without an agent must now relay a message with the company's information within the first few seconds of the call.
The Call Prevention Registry is a service that can indeed aid many instances of nuisance calls. Firstly, the company maintains contact with call centers and data companies around the world. This allows the service to comprehend the precautions that need to be taken to combat persistent nuisance calls.
The Call Prevention Registry offers their do-not-call list free of charge to data houses which results in a fully compliant service due to their competitors charging hefty prices for their lists.
Kathryn Powell of the Call Prevention Registry says 'Since the service was founded five years ago, we have seen a year on year increase in the amount of nuisance calls to householders, together with an increase in their customer base which means that the problem is indeed worsening.”
Customers of the Call Prevention Registry are rating the service as the fifth most trusted emergency service that they turn to after the police, the ambulance, the fire brigade and road side assistance. There's always someone to speak to and many are taking advantage of this fact, calling for advice on bizarre claims that some companies are making. Elderly customers in particular are simply calling for someone to talk to during frightening and vulnerable times, which our advisors are always happy to help with.
Customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even your mobile, you can rest assured that you'd be covered wherever you are. For 39.75, the Call Prevention Registry is available for its customers throughout the year, ready to handle any complaints and to offer helpful advice with ease.
Those who are experiencing a surge of nuisance calls should consider registering their details with Call Prevention Registry by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visitingwww.callpreventionregistry.com.
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Unsolicited Calls take their Toll on the StressedWe are all aware that nuisance calls have a profound effect on our privacy. For those who are persistently harassed, such calls can result in dramatically increased stress levels.
National Stress Awareness Day is on 3 November and efforts are being made across the nation to reduce the levels of stress, wherever possible. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 75% of the general population experiences at least some stress every two weeks. Half of those experience moderate or high levels of stress during the same two week period.
Stress also affects the immune system, which protects us from many serious diseases and in turn contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other illnesses in many individuals. Stress can also lead to the development of alcoholism, obesity, suicide, drug addiction, cigarette addiction, and other harmful behaviours.
Tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications only account for one fourth of all prescriptions available. However, the best way to prevent stress is by tackling it at the route of the problem. By eliminating all of the factors from your life which you perceive to be affecting your stress levels, you will be improving the quality of your life.
For householders who are teetering at the edge of despair, just one unsolicited call can effectively be the last straw. Once consumers receive a cold call they are highly likely to receive another within due course because once your telephone number is on a list, it is in danger of being widely circulated. CPR Global is an anti-nuisance call service provider that can actively take their customers numbers off the lists of 1,500 data companies that are circulating around the globe.
Amid the spending cuts, stress can be intensified due to the threat of losing ones job, or even through a partner losing their job. The cuts to the welfare and benefit system could also see an increased feeling of stress within a whole family unit.
With news of cuts and the possibility of a double dip recession, companies will start to play on the nation's lack of financial securities. As CPR Global recorded 230,137 calls from debt and loan management companies during the height of the recession, the public should expect an increase in unsolicited calls to their households.
Although the cuts are enforced to allay national debt, they are going to prove disastrous for personal debt which of course will snowball back in to the economy. The UK is in danger of international focus where the nation could become a target for money making schemes and scams.
When money and employment is scarce, the public are predicted to experience an increase in recession fuelled crime and scams. This could include an array of schemes involving unsolicited calls from recruitment agencies, start-up loans, investment and shareholder schemes, consolidation loans, PPI companies and even personal injury companies.
CPR Global can help those who are stressed with the invasion of their privacy. A quarter of a million CPR Global customers register with the service as a result of being tormented by the calls. Many renew their registration every year after discovering the effectiveness of the service.
Kathryn Powell of CPR Global says 'In hard times, marketing companies tend to play on the zeitgeist. In an economic struggle, consumers can apprehend calls from companies claiming to safeguard finances or increase profit. Thousands of our customers have raised their concerns to our team about the calls and the stress that they bring through being inundated by high pressured sales tactics, on a daily basis.”
By registering with the service customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even mobiles; they can rest assured that the family is covered wherever they are. For 39.75, CPR Global is available for its customers throughout the year. Those who are experience nuisance calls should consider registering their details with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com.
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Unsolicited sales calls are the bane of many people's lives although those who suffer from mental health disorders are reported to experience heightened anxiety and depression due to such calls.
With World Mental Health Day fast approaching on the 10 October, the public should use this day to address the problems faced by those who have experienced disorders. Stephen Fry also appears to be a keen campaigner on the subject.
Silent calls can be particularly disturbing for those with mental health issues. To answer a telephone call and hear nothing can be daunting for the majority but for the depressed and anxious, these calls can result in dire consequences.
Mental health is a neglected issue although one in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year. Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental disorder in Britain. Unsolicited calls are known to cause high anxiety problems for the public and they are reported to be the 'tipping point' or the 'last straw' for those on the edge of reason. Depression affects one in five older people living in the community and two in five living in care home.
For householders who are teetering at the edge of despair, just one unsolicited call can effectively be the last straw. For the more vulnerable people who are suffering from a mental health disorder, high pressured sales tactics can equate to an 'easy sell' for the caller as the householder is inclined to 'go with the flow'.
Those who have experienced mental health problems report that the phone calls cause them real distress. Paranoia and delusions often result in the calls causing extreme worry and dismay. There are so many types of mental health disorders and dementia is another aspect of the issue. Cold calling is largely recognised within the Alzheimer's society as being a nuisance because patients are unable to make educated decisions about purchases promoted via the phone and are often sold products and services unethically.
If a company recognises that a person has a disability like a mental health disorder during an unsolicited phone call, it is unethical to sell a product to that person. In this respect, there should be rules and regulations enforced to provide an better conduct of direct marketing.
Once consumers receive a cold call they are highly likely to receive another within due course because once your telephone number is on a list, it is in danger of being widely circulated. CPR Global is an anti-nuisance call service provider that can actively take their customers numbers off the lists of 1,500 data companies that are circulating around the globe.
CPR Global also offers a competent service which also acts as an advisory life line for its customers. Their customer care team can talk their customers through the difficult complaints process, whilst offering advice on how to eradicate the possibility of their household being called again in the future.
When one experiences mental health problems, their capacity to make financial decisions is affected, which often leads them to act recklessly. They are also known to become vulnerable to financial exploitation or abuse.
Such calls can potentially leave people with mental health problems. Frequent calls are known to have dire effects on those who spend a lot of time indoors. The stress and worry associated with trying to maintain control over expenditure and keep households running on an even keel can result in feelings of inadequacy and despair. Additional worries about the consequences of getting into debt, a lack of security, or pessimism about the future and giving up control of your financial affairs to third parties can increase feelings of powerlessness and loss of autonomy.
Kathryn Powell of CPR Global says 'We have heard time and time again that cold callers are becoming very abusive with some even resorting to using offensive language. This can be very distressing for those with mental health issues and even their carers. Our customers have an advisory service in CPR Global and our customer care team is always more than happy to assist in enquiries relating to telephone privacy.”
For 39.75, customers can register three telephone numbers, including mobiles with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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International Day for Older Persons Raises Awareness to one of their Deepest Concerns
It is widely acknowledged that the public is rapidly ageing. This year, International Day for Older Persons falls on 1 October and it is designed to create awareness of the issues that the elderly often face.
The elderly are considered to be the lifeline support for many families whether it concerns financial support from grandparents, childcare or even emotional support from their years of wisdom in life. Whilst many take advantage of them, we should use this day to really appreciate their true values and address their concerns.
One of the problems encountered by the elderly is being targeted for sales calls on the grounds of their vulnerability. Cold calls often specifically target older generations who are susceptible to handing over their money without a second thought. Many marketing companies are fully aware of this fact and continue to take advantage of the elderly for their profit.
Targeting has become scrupulous in recent times due to advances in technology. This has made things a lot easier for marketers as increasing amounts of information is readily available on the Internet. Even priceless information such as births, deaths and marriage certificates, electoral roll information and census data can be found on numerous websites littered across the Internet.
Those who have been hounded by such calls are likely to have felt victimised or even scared for their safety and security. It is alarming when a vulnerable person who is not capable of raising objections, is faced with a high pressured sales tactics over the phone. Some calls can lead to meetings at home which can result in the encounter becoming even more pushy and domineering.
Isolated elderly people are often subjected to scams and pushy sales tactics simply because they want someone to talk to and many marketing companies are exploiting this. Our elders grew up at a time when hanging up on someone was considered rude, no matter how pushy and domineering the caller was.
By 2020, half the population of the UK will be aged 50 or over and this will bring fundamental changes to the nature of society. This is grave problem that deserves the support of the general public. Attitudes need to be altered about ageing and the public should be aware and grateful to the contribution that older people make to communities across the nation. Using older generations for marketing purposes is certainly not the answer.
The UK population is ageing and over the last 25 years the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased by 1.5 million people between 1983 and 2008¹. This means that elder abuse is set to be an even bigger concern in the near future and action needs to be taken.
With 1.5 billion nuisance calls directed to the UK last year and with the main target focussing on the elderly, they are subjected to excessive amounts of high pressured sales tactics. 1.3 million Pensioners rely solely on their state retirement pension and benefits ² with no other financial means to spend on canvassed products and services.
CPR Global takes pride in protecting their customer base, which is predominantly formed of the elderly. The service is available throughout the year to offer advice on how to protect customers regarding privacy matters. As well as preventing nearly all of unsolicited calls to the UK, CPR Global's customer care team work with their customers to maintain a high level of standards.
'We're frequently receiving calls from the elderly claiming to have been bombarded by sales people. The saddest thing is that the older generations are being targeted by companies specifically on the grounds of their vulnerability, it could even be considered as a form of bullying” says Kathryn Powell of CPR Global.
She adds 'Some customers even describe feeling on edge each time the phone rings due to the aggressive behaviour and abusive language that is displayed by some callers”.
For 39.75, customers can register three telephone numbers, including mobiles with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
¹ National Statistics Online: Ageing. http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=949
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Phone Security just as Important as Home SecurityThere is nothing more terrifying than to be alone and have somebody cold calling at your door. The latest message from many governments and campaigns is advising the public 'If in doubt, keep them out'.
Unfortunately, the 'No Cold Calling Zones' fail to stop the risk of people cold calling your landline seeking an invite to your home. Once they have your attention, consumers have been lured.
Whilst precautions have been taken to prevent bogus callers and rogue tradesmen knocking at your door, the telephone lines remain unprotected. Cold calling via the telephone is potentially as risky as door to door sales people, as householders can be slowly lured in to making a huge purchase with the charm of an over enthusiastic sales person.
For years people have been telling you to simply hang up the phone, but we all know now that this simply postpones the problem, leaving you open to persuasion at a later, more vulnerable time. The British Crime Survey reveals that 1.5 million people a year receive repeated malicious calls.
Stories have been arising over the invasion of elderly and vulnerable people's life savings. Marketing people are fully aware that the elderly can be easily persuaded, perhaps because many don't have access to the Internet to check over a company's feedback and customer testimonials.
More than 15 million or 60 % of UK households are already registered with the TPS, yet more than 70 % of Brits claim to have been a victim of a phone scam in the last year. The statistics clearly indicate that the calls fail to stop, even after registering with the TPS. Whilst the TPS is effective in preventing UK based call centres, the Call Prevention Registry succeed in eliminating overseas companies from calling households.
With just shy of 208,000 happy customers to date, the Call Prevention Registry is on course for a quarter of a million customers by the end of the year. The Call Prevention Registry has helped to eradicate sales calls from many lives. Their dedicated customer care team creates a more relaxed atmosphere at home, resulting in safer communities through the commitment of ensuring companies are abiding by the guidelines.
Customers who are tired of receiving nuisance calls should consider registering with Call Prevention Registry by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is also available atinfo@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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Identity Thieves are Upping the Ante
Unsolicited calls from unknown sources have been rife this year as scammers are posing as alarm fitters, IT doctors and even the tax office. Consumers across the nation are in danger of distributing their information to the unknown world. Many of these calls are an intrusive ploy to get information out of the public. This data can then be used to purchase various things in your name, including credit cards, loans and higher purchases.
Earlier in the year a mass 'suckers list' of 48,000 potential victims was exposed by the FSA. If you have been gullible enough to fall for a scheme in the past you may well have been added to the dreaded suckers list, where people are targeted for their susceptibility to falling for deception.
That's not the least of it; thousands of pieces of data are being lost on a regular basis. It was exposed only last week that a specialist healthcare recruitment agency had auctioned a fellow Doctor's details on a website to be sold. Details are being lost and stolen left, right and centre and it is beginning to cause massive controversy.
The fraudsters are predominantly based overseas where they aren't restricted from UK laws. FSA found the latest sucker list to have been declared originated from the USA. CPR Global is a service committed to putting a stop to 100% of unsolicited calls from the UK as well as overseas, unlike the 80% success rate from the Telephone Preference Service. Quite like the large firms, fraudsters are known to attain information from sources like data houses and information distributed on the Internet. The information often gets into the hands of the wrong person. CPR Global works with the data houses around the world to ensure that their customers' details are not out there to be contacted.
Technology has made matters even easier for fraudsters with thanks to the hoards of information that is readily available on the Internet. Anybody who is anyone can access documents such as the electoral roll, census data and even births, death and marriage certificates, for the price of a very small fee in relation to the potential outcome. With information like names, ages, telephone numbers and addresses available, fraudsters can find a lot of information about their target markets. It is also possible for them to access your social media profile on sites like Facebook and Myspace where your privacy can potentially be intruded.
By registering your telephone number with CPR Global, you are decreasing the likelihood of your household being contacted and put at risk by scam artists. Once you have been stung by a telemarketer or even a fraudster, you are highly likely to receive another in the near future. If you are somebody who has applied for competitions, registering with CPR Global is the most effective means of combating harassing and unsolicited communication.
"Scammers are constantly finding new ways to seek out their victims. As soon as people become aware of their tricks they simply find another avenue to go down, often aiming to convince the public of their legitimacy” says Kathryn Powell, Head of PR for CPR Global.CPR Global is one of the only anti-nuisance service providers to handle their customer's complaints on an individual basis, from which they always receive the desired results. It is difficult to prevent fraudsters this from contacting you because they think that they're above the law. However, CPR Global acts as a dependable advisory service that can assist customers with any uncertainties they may have by investigating suspicious callers on their behalf.
The recession has seen an increase in fraudulent attempts on the public. PhonePayPlus received 4,851 complaints in just the first three months of 2009. What's more is that mobile phones are now being used for making 'micropayments', where the public are able to make payments for goods via their mobile phone bills which can be particularly concerning for the young mobile phone owners.
Whilst CPR Global can illuminate the risk of identity theft via the telephone, consumers should be aware of the importance of shredding important information like utility bills, bank statements, passports and driving license, etc. because this is the most prevalent means of identity theft. The older generations are particularly susceptible to disclosing information to unknown sources via the telephone due to their trusting nature. Fraudsters recognise this and continue to seek out the elderly for their vulnerability.
CPR Global also has measures place to filter out sales and fraudulent scams. If there is a persistent unsolicited caller, it indicates that they're not abiding by guidelines which suggests that the caller is not legitimate. Reporting cold calling offenders is the most effective way of stopping such nuisance.
For 39.75, CPR Global customers are able to register up to three alternative telephone numbers, including mobiles. There is a free phone number on 0800 652 7780 for those who don't have access to the Internet. Customers can also register their details on our website on www.callpreventionregistry.com.
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Electing for Cold CallsAccording to the Call Prevention Registry, their customer care team have seen a surge in complaints regarding marketing companies using the websites to gather data for cold calling purposes.
Traditionally, sales companies have attained customer's information via data houses for a considerable fee. Suppression files which are more commonly known as do-not-call lists are then removed from the bought data lists.
Websites are using information gathered from the electoral register and contains a catalogue of information including the names of those who are living at that address, their age, telephone number together with the actual address. The information age we are living in today which enables us to access almost anything at a click of a button is indeed a frightening prospect.
With the recent leak on the Internet of 100 million Facebook users information, the marketing profession has never been easier. By simply downloading one of the latest lists, combined with the websites, marketing companies have enough data to last them a whole year.
A small fee is charged for gathering information on the website in this way, although there are free options of data. This begs the question of how particular information is free of charge, where others are paid for. It also raises reservations to who is reaping the benefits at the public's detriment.
Through the recent election we saw an abundance of marketing pleas urging the public to register their vote. The option for your data to be used in this way was hidden away in the small print, making it difficult for the public to make their choice.
With the recent wave of cold calls to householders, it is becoming increasingly difficult to enforce government legislation that states that it is unlawful to make unsolicited telesales calls to individuals who have expressed their wishes not to receive such calls.
The Call Prevention Registry can combat marketing companies who are so frequently using this method to gather their data. They remain the only nuisance call blocking service who tackles the cold calling industry using the letter of the law and enforces it with a fully compliant routine that accomplishes its goal of eliminating nuisance calls every time.
Customers of the Call Prevention Registry are urged to report offending companies to them in order to eliminate any nuisance calls that might come through the initial registration.
Anyone who is fed up with nuisance calls should consider registering their details with the Call Prevention Registry by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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Nuisance Calls Inflict Elderly Falls
It has emerged that fear of falling is of great concern to the elderly. According to CPR Global, nuisance calls also impose a threat to the elderly as rushing to answer the phone can lead to dangerous consequences. With the stark rise in unsolicited calls, householders are receiving up to six unwanted sales calls in a single day.
More than 700,000 people over 65 attend accident and emergency after a fall every year¹ making it the biggest cause of accidental death in the UK, which is a concerning factor for the elderly population. Numerous falls result in a fear of falling, where people can become so nervous of falling again that they struggle to balance. It isn't surprising that death often occurs three months after a fall.
Nuisance calls have dire effects on the mental welfare of the elderly. One in ten people aged 60 to 74 in UK households have mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression and phobias⁴. The new study suggests that maintaining a healthy mental attitude is key to preventing falls of this nature and maintaining the welfare of older generations.
Silent calls can be particularly irritating for consumers; this is where auto-dialling result in the agents outnumbering the consumers, leaving them to hear silence. Due many pensioners' lack of mobility and fear of falling, receiving such calls can create adverse psychological implications. 1.3 million Pensioners rely solely on their state retirement pension and benefits ² with no other financial means to spend on canvassed products and services, or for support in times of ill-health or injury.
Unsolicited calls pose a threat to the elderly where in some cases they are unable to answer the telephone due to their physical state. The possibility of the caller being a friend or relative is often too much to risk and after struggling to get to the phone, finding a sales person on the line can be extremely irritating. Falls on the stairs, in particular account for an estimated 1000 deaths of older people each year⁵.
Around 29 per cent of older adults in the UK report experiencing age discrimination more than any other form of prejudice³. Their vulnerability makes them susceptible to pushy sales tactics and sometimes charities play on their compassion by convincing them to donate money.
Nuisance calls are a dominant factor in affecting falls at home and registering with CPR Global can dramatically reduce this risk by eliminating unwanted calls from UK and overseas companies. With an expert customer care team in place, CPR Global works tirelessly towards handling companies who avoid the industry guidelines.
Ensuring there are no trip hazards is also vital in preventing accidents at home, making sure the correct lighting is fitted, alongside chair lifts and walking sticks could also be a significant in preventing accidents at home. More information can be found on the Age UK website.
In 2004, 56 per cent of women aged 85 or over lived alone, this figure is projected to rise to 70 per cent by 2024 ³. The isolated elderly people are subjected pushy sales tactics simply because they want someone to talk to and many marketing companies are exploiting this.
Kathryn Powell of Call Prevention Registry says 'The elderly are known to be anxious and frightened when alone and nuisance calls amplify this problem. It is shocking to find that their vulnerability is an attraction for marketing companies. Many elderly people are claiming to feel 'on edge' every time the phone rings.”
Every five hours an older person dies after a fall at home, representing the most frequent and serious types of accident in the over 65 age group, with one in three elderly people experiencing a serious fall every year ⁶. The UK population is ageing and the cost of falls incurred by the NHS and other agencies is expected to escalate. Based on current trends in the UK, hip fractures among older people resulting from a fall may rise to 120,000 per annum by 2015 ⁷.
Those who are experiencing a surge of nuisance calls should consider registering their details with Call Prevention Registry by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.co.uk. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
¹ BBC: The Pensioners Cutting Elderly Falls, 28 August 2009
² Pensioners Income Series 2006/7, DWP, 2008
³ Age Concern Research Services/University of Kent, 'How ageist is Britain?' 2005
⁴
Evandrou, M., (2005) Health and well-being amongst older people in Britain at start of 21st Century(Source 3 - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/care/OlderPeopleCare/Fallsgroup)
⁵
Hill LD, Haslam PA, Brooke-Wavell K, Sloane JE (2001) Safety of older people on stairs: behavioural factors, Loughborough University⁶
All our futures: Planning for a Scotland with an Ageing population http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/03/14163202/2)⁷
Johnell O, Gullberg B, Allander JA, Kanis JA, The MEDOS Study Group (1992) The apparent incidence of hip fracture in Europe: a study of national register sources. Osteoporosis International, 2, pp1248-50.ENDS
A Step Closer to the Prevention of Financial Elder Abuse
Under the new coalition plans, Neighbourhood Watch teams are being encouraged to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. CPR Global's new product can put a stop to the threat of financial abuse which is rife in older people's communities.
The CPR101 All-In-One Call Blocker is the answer to the deterrence of persistent harassment via the telephone. The device can filter out the irritation of telemarketing calls as well as putting a stop to any malicious, harassment and prank calls that may plague your household and invade your privacy.
Communities are being urged to play a bigger role in safeguarding the elderly as the population is ageing and the gap in funding for social care continues to grow. Although with the aid of the CPR101 All-In-One Call Blocker, there would be less need for the community to play such a role.
The device is pre-programmed with 200 telemarketing telephone numbers that are known to CPR Global. Its unique 'block now' button enables users to block a further 100 telephone numbers at their discretion, which is useful for those who receive harassment calls. The device works more effectively in conjunction with telephones that have a caller ID display, which can be obtained from your phone provider free of charge (depending on your service).
An estimated 340,000 older people are abused every year in their own homes in the UK and only 10% of cases are acted upon. The abuse can take many forms physical, emotional or financial. 1.3 million Pensioners rely solely on their state retirement pension and benefits ² with no other financial means to spend on canvassed products and services.
Unsolicited calls are often specifically designed to target the elderly who are susceptible to handing over their money and/or details without a second thought. Businesses are fully aware of this fact and continue to take advantage of the elderly for their profit.
Consumer groups across the UK are renowned for exposing high pressured sales techniques used by companies. Isolated elderly people are often subjected to scams and pushy sales tactics simply because they want someone to talk to and many marketing companies are exploiting this. Our elders grew up at a time when hanging up on someone was considered rude, no matter how pushy and domineering the caller was.
As the government advises the general public to play a bigger part in caring for the vulnerable, the attention should be focussed on addressing their deepest concerns. Receiving unsolicited calls can prove to be irritating with some callers even resorting to using abusive language. By reducing anxiety levels, we can significantly reduce their need for care.
Research shows that victims of telemarketing tend to be male, divorced/separated, educated and between ages of 60 and 70. These factors are significantly associated with loneliness. ² Prevention and intervention efforts by social services are vital in assisting the elderly and vulnerable to overcome such prejudice.
The UK population is ageing and over the last 25 years the population aged 65 and over increased by 1.5 million people¹. This means that elder abuse is set to be an even bigger concern in the near future and action needs to be taken.
Whether it's distant relatives or friends who you don't wish to speak with, ex-lovers who won't take no for an answer, telemarketers persistently bombarding the line, or even scam artists trying to swindle hard earned money; the CPR101 Call Blocker guarantees privacy for all households at an affordable price.
'We're frequently receiving calls from elderly people claiming to have been harassed by companies over the phone. The saddest thing is that older generations are targeted for their vulnerability. Now the coalition government has urged for communities to keep a watchful eye over the vulnerable during hard times, we can contribute to the vital role of preventing elderly financial abuse in the form of unsolicited calls” says Miss Powell of CPR Global.
As technology is progressing, our information has become accessible to anyone who has access to the Internet. Some websites stipulate the names of the residents at an address, together with their age, address, telephone numbers and even registration details for births, deaths and marriages.
This makes it even easier for companies to target older generations who may be more inclined to purchase a product or service due to their vulnerability, isolation and empathetic persona.
Miss Powell continues 'We can only urge that those affected take action and purchase a CPR101 All-In-One Call Blocker to combat future attempts of cold callers taking advantage of the elderly”.
Those who are receiving nuisance calls should consider purchasing the CPR101 All-In-One Call Blocker by calling the free phone number 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.co.uk/products.html.
¹ National Statistics Online: Ageing. http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=949
² Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume 20; Issue 1, Volume 13; Issue 4, Volume 12; Issue 2
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Avoid Becoming Another Statistic of Domestic AbuseDomestic abuse accounts for over a quarter of violent crime. The crime is often underestimated and rarely reported. The CPR101 All-In-One Call Blocker prevents harassment calls that are a burden to domestic abuse victims.
This week it is Domestic Abuse Awareness Week and efforts are being made across the nation to address the problem and create an understanding of the topic. It is an enormous problem that greatly affects both men and women across the nation as one incident is reported every minute.
Network for Surviving Stalking surveyed 2,292 victims of stalking and found that their ages ranged from 10 to 73, they were both male and female and were spread across the entire socio-economic spectrum. Although a large proportion of those surveyed (38%) were professionals.
The device is pre-programmed to block 200 telephone numbers that are recognised to be a nuisance by CPR Global. This leaves the space to block a further 100 telephone numbers which could include an array of callers. Even if it's a persistent relative who plagues you with a two hour call every week, with its unique 'block now' button will allow you to pursue your daily routine in peace.
New advances in technology such as social networking and the Internet host a catalogue of public information such as electoral rolls, census data and births, deaths and marriage certificates.
It is terrifying to think of how much information is actually held about us and to know that it is readily accessible to the general public is certainly a cause for concern. Stalkers hoping to find information on their victims can potentially find enough information to intrude the privacy of their victims.
CPR Global has made it easy to protect yourself from such abuse. In addition to their product, the organisation also employs a team of experienced customer care assistants who are skilled in addressing the needs of those concerned with telephone privacy. With a collective 100 years under their belt, the team is known to be one of the best in the world at handling your telephone privacy matters.
Harassment calls can take a huge emotional toll which in turn can cause anxiety, anger, depression, paranoia and agoraphobia and can even cause victims to lose their jobs or relationship.
A shocking 13 million incidents of domestic abuse is estimated for a single year. Often victims feel confused as to whether they are indeed victims of stalking or harassment. Either of these types of calls is disturbing and should be dealt with head on to avoid further aggravation.
The calls must not be written off under any circumstances because an average of two women a week are killed by their partner or former partner which constitutes around a third of all female homicide victims.
A spokesperson of CPR Global says 'It is important for victims to be aware of the help that is available to them and although our Call Blocker can provide a temporary relief, they still should report such cases directly to the police.”
Those who receive calls like these should avoid becoming another statistic and purchase the CPR101 All-In-One Call Blocker by calling the free phone number 0800 652 7780 or by clicking on the 'products' tab on www.callpreventionregistry.co.uk.
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Disregard for Data
It certainly isn't unusual to hear that our details are being lost and stolen in breach of the Data Protection Act. It raises questions to whether our data is being sold on to data houses and call centres to be used as potential customer leads.
Negligence towards data leaves the public susceptible to scams, cold calls and even ID theft. It is a scary prospect knowing that we have no control over some of our data. 70% of phone owners claim that they have been victim of a phone scam during the last twelve months. While irritating for the majority, the problem becomes intensified for the elderly who report a greater anxiety and dismay caused by unsolicited calls.
It isn't surprising that consumers are urging authorities to ban cold calling entirely, with over a quarter of customers claiming to feel intimidated, according to consumer group Which?
Accounts have emerged across the nation that companies and government organisations such as hospitals, schools and police forces are frequently leaving CD's and documents at various locations like bus stops, with some being discarded, snooped upon and stolen.
Mick Gorrill, Head of Enforcement at the ICO, said: 'Any organisation collecting and holding personal information needs to ensure that information is kept and disposed of safely and securely. This is an important principle of the Act. Making sure data is disposed of securely and not keeping information for longer than is necessary can help to prevent information falling into the wrong hands. Staff need to be aware of policies and it is essential they receive appropriate training to follow them.”
If organisations continue to disregard our data in this way, unfortunately there is no alternative. However, CPR Global is a service designed to eliminate nuisance calls to householders. They act on behalf of their customers to tackle the calls at the root of the problem with the data companies.
Companies who are gathering their information through illegal methods such as stolen data, can only be tackled by CPR Global's rigorous process that comprises of personal investigations which no other anti-nuisance service provider can offer. Hefty penalties are enforced for those who refuse to comply with regulations.
Much of the public's data can potentially, already be in circulation. Unfortunately, other than individually chasing up complaints, there is no alternative way of ensuring that customers will not be contacted in this way again. Other bodies refuse to follow up individual complaints because it proves to be far too costly.
Usually by simply registering with the service it does prevent the calls, although there are always going to be companies who refuse to comply with legislations. This is where CPR Global can help by contacting each offending company to personally ensure that they take our customers details off their lists together with a written confirmation letter.
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, it is unlawful to make unsolicited marketing calls to individuals who have expressed their wish not to receive such calls.
Nuisance calls are becoming such a problem that customers of CPR Global rate the service as the fifth most trusted service that they turn to after the police, the ambulance, the fire brigade and road side assistance. There's always someone to speak to and many are taking advantage of this with customers calling for advice on the legitimacy of companies who call them. Staff also report that elderly customers are calling when they're feeling vulnerable, which our friendly advisors are always happy to help with.
CPR Global's customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even mobiles, they can rest assured that the family is covered wherever they are. For 39.75, CPR Global is available for its customers throughout the year. Those who are experiencing nuisance calls should consider registering their details with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visitingwww.callpreventionregistry.com.
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A Solution for the Disabled who are Targeted for their Vulnerability This Friday is the International Day for Disabled Persons. Unsolicited calls to disabled people can prove to be extremely disturbing and those living at home independently can find support in the CPR All-In-One Call Blocker.
The device can be used to prevent unsolicited sales calls as well as calls of a harassing nature. That includes scam phone calls that have a reputation for targeting the elderly. The Call Blocker is the solution for those who aren't capable of giving cold callers an objection. High pressured sales tactics are hard enough to dissuade for the public in general but the tactics are particularly difficult to turn down for the vulnerable.
Gadgets that are designed for the vulnerable saves the health system approximately 7.5 million a year. Telecare products are designed to offer remote care to elderly and vulnerable people, providing the care and reassurance needed to allow them to remain living in their own homes. Avoiding pushy and domineering cold callers is certainly one of the most concerning issues that disabled people who live independently, face on a daily basis.
Trading Standards have over the last few years received an alarming amount of complaints regarding mobility companies that are cold calling elderly and disabled people.
The mobility products include stair lifts, recliner chairs, beds, mattresses, wheelchairs and many other products designed to assist the vulnerable at home. Although the calls are made to assist the elderly in their independent living, many of the calls result in a contradictory form with irritation and fear because high pressured sales techniques can prove to be disturbing for an already anxious population.
Unsolicited calls often use misleading tactics in order to make home appointments. Once inside they use techniques similar to bullying and often try their luck with hugely inflated prices, telling the customer exactly what they want to hear.
Technically speaking, this type of targeting could be regarded as a breach of the Hate Crime law where a perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her perceived membership in a certain social group, in this instance the disabled community.
Recent statistics reveal that in 2009 a total of 52,028 crimes were recorded in which the offence was motivated by prejudice. From these statistics we can see that our current society is rife with prejudice fuelled crime.
Those who are subjected to mass marketing targeting due to their disability should avoid becoming another statistic by purchasing the CPR101 All-In-One Call Blocker by calling the free phone number 0800 652 7780 or by clicking on the 'products' tab on www.callpreventionregistry.co.uk.
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Consumers Pay the Price of Tax Blunder
Calls from the alleged taxman have become rife over the past few weeks and householders should expect to see a dramatic rise in the nuisance calls received in the coming months.
A scam has emerged across Wales, where Householders are being cold-called and asked for their bank details so a council tax rebate can allegedly be repaid. Based on this scam, CPR Global presume that the scam artists will strike again, playing on the news events of the HMRC blunder last week.
5.7 million UK residents are reported to have paid the wrong PAYE tax and this week letters have begun to be distributed to all of those who have been misinformed. According to CPR Global, the 5.7 million workers equate to just under 11% of the UK's population who are susceptible to the hoard of scams that are about to surface and must remain vigilant.
HMRC report that those who have over paid tax will receive a refund cheque in the mail. Under no circumstances will individuals be asked for bank details or any other personal information via the telephone or emails. Letters containing spelling or grammar mistakes should also be treated with extra caution. If any consumers are uncertain about the authenticity of a letter or a call, they should clarify the claims of correspondence by visiting www.hmrc.gov.uk/p800/paye-tax-calcs or calling 0845 3000 627.
Of the 1.5 billion nuisance calls made to UK households, an estimated total of just under 9.9 million of those calls are directed towards the Wales region every year. Moreover, 70% of householders claim to have been a victim of a phone scam over the past year. This just goes to show that a large percentage of the Welsh public who are not being protected.
The unemployment rates for Wales which includes those claiming benefits currently stands at 4.1% above the 3.8% national average for 2009. (1) Marketers and fraudsters can see opportunities like this to play on region's financial difficulties in order to target specific areas for loan and debt management calls, which have proven to be abundant due to the recession.
By registering with CPR Global, customers have the ability to request advice on the legitimacy of certain companies and their claims. The customer advisor's experience over the past few years has resulted in a vast knowledge of the cold calling industry and its regular offenders.
Fraudulent callers must be getting their data from somewhere and unless your telephone number is ex-directory, the fraudsters are getting your information from the data houses. This is where CPR Global can further help its customers in that they supply the data houses around the world with do-not-call list which companies are legally prohibited from calling.
Cold calling is becoming so much of a nuisance that CPR Global's customers rate the service as the fifth most trusted service that they turn to after the police, the ambulance, the fire brigade and road side assistance. There's always someone to speak to and many are taking advantage of this, with customers calling for advice on the legitimacy of certain companies. Staff also report that elderly customers are calling when they need someone to talk to just because they're feeling vulnerable, which our friendly advisors are always happy to help with.
Customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even mobiles, they can rest assured that the family is covered wherever they are. For 39.75, CPR Global is available for its customers throughout the year. Those who are experiencing nuisance calls should consider registering their details with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visitingwww.callpreventionregistry.com.
(1) - http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=6953
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Cold Caller Outlaws
It isn't surprising that of the 2,092 consumers asked, three quarters of consumers want authorities to put a ban on cold calling in its entirety. According to consumer group Which? over a quarter of customers claim to feel intimidated during such a call.
There aren't many consumers out there who would welcome cold calls to their homes. This is why 'opt out' services are used in the UK, rather than 'opt in' services which are in fact operating in other countries like India. If consumers are looking for a service that provides support and advice on preventing these types of calls then CPR Global is the only service in the UK that can tick those boxes.
Which? estimates the average consumer receives six cold calls a month with two out of three having at least one unsolicited call within the last three months.
As the issue currently stands, some companies are failing to comply with industry guidelines which states that it is unlawful to make unsolicited marketing calls to those who have expressed their wish not to receive such calls. Although the TPS is successful in its commerce, they are only able to deal with complaints on a mass scale, as are Ofcom and the ICO.
A shocking 31% of all nuisance calls are made by overseas companies and unfortunately the TPS are frustrated with their limited control over these calls. However CPR Global is a service that can eradicate international calls as well as UK based.
CPR Global, the UK's anti-nuisance calls service provider is the only service that tackles problem companies with a personal follow up. This includes a written confirmation letter from the offending company ensuring the customer that they have taken the details off their lists.
It seems as though many consumers want to put a stop to cold calling completely but it is unjust and unfair to the thousands who work for call centres across the nation. There is a rational solution for those who are fed up with such calls and that is choosing to opt out with CPR Global.
Customers of CPR Global rate the service as the fifth most trusted service that they turn to after the police, the ambulance, the fire brigade and road side assistance. There's always someone to speak to and many are taking advantage of this, with customers calling for advice on the legitimacy of certain companies. Staff also report that elderly customers are calling when they're feeling vulnerable, which our friendly advisors are always happy to help with.
Customers can relax knowing that three telephone lines are protected, whether it's at work, home or even mobiles; they can rest assured that the family is covered wherever they are. For 39.75, CPR Global is available for its customers throughout the year. Those who are experiencing nuisance calls should consider registering their details with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visitingwww.callpreventionregistry.com.
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Clairvoyants fail to foresee the Public's Reaction to their Bogus Schemes
Many have been receiving pre-recorded messages and cold calls from Clairvoyants and Psychics this week, according to CPR Global. They have even gone one step further in charging unbeknown customers a premium rate without their permission.
Amid news of share fraud and computer virus fraud, the situation has worsened as bemused householders have been receiving mysterious messages from apparent Clairvoyants. One lady even informed CPR Global that she had received a voicemail message and was charged a premium rate for just listening to her message.
Scams like these are sometimes hard to estimate because the callers are often very convincing. Also, the majority of the public fail to check their itemised phone bill. This raises concerns to exactly how many people have unknowingly, been targeted by this sort of scam.
Research has suggested that there is sufficient technology available that can carry out this type of fraud. It is a daunting thought to discover that now householders need not even answer their phone in order to be scammed.
On a website that offers advice to Clairvoyants regarding premium rate telephone charges, it states that a Clairvoyant can earn up to 66 in just one hour. When you consider that these people don't necessarily have any qualifications or indeed proof that the work they're carrying out is legitimate, it strikes an alarm bell. For a psychic who seeks to earn 60,060 by deceiving the public, surely cannot be a legitimate clairvoyant, or indeed have the morals of a genuine mystic.
Whilst clairvoyants claim to see in to the future, they fail to recognise who does not want to receive their calls. This is where the CPR All-In-One Call Blocker can help, by filtering out the most persistent companies known to CPR Global; the device can give the consumer back the privacy that they so deserve as well as avoiding deception and misleading claims.
The lady who was scammed recalled 'I have never even contacted a Clairvoyant, I don't believe in that sort of thing so I'm absolutely stunned as to how they got my details in the first place. This company has been repeatedly contacting me for some days now and it's getting tiring.”
The device itself is pre-programmed with 200 of the most persistent companies recognised by CPR Global. Its unique 'block now' application can also help to eliminate repeated future calls. With the ability to block up to 100 extra telephone numbers, the device is helpful in preventing a range of calls from personal harassment calls, to scam calls, telemarketing calls, silent calls, pre-recorded messages and even more.
To save time, money and effectively your sanity, consider purchasing the most affordable Call Blocker on the market at a one off payment of 47.75. You can do this by enquiring on the CPR Global free phone line on 0800 652 7780 or alternatively by visiting their website www.cprcallblocker.com.
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Christmas, Coalition Cuts and Consumer Confidence
With just over ten weeks left until the Christmas festivities begin, mixed signals are being received by the public from all directions. To spend or not to spend this Christmas, that is the question on the tip of everyone's lips.
Of the 84 million unsolicited telephone calls made to UK consumers every year by debt management and personal loan companies, the highest volume of sales calls are received between November and February. From these figures, we can see that the Christmas period is rife for unsolicited calls.
The Bank of England's Deputy Governor has urged the public to stop saving and to spend more. It is easy for a man of Charlie Bean's stature to advise the public to spend more. His job security offers him an environment for which he is able to spend without due care and attention.
Although his message is designed to give the economy the boost that it so needs, Charlie Bean should have considered the financial predicaments that the recession has left the majority of the public. His attempt in replacing consumer confidence is likely to have the opposite effect.
Companies now have the ammunition to drive consumer confidence and to play on the nation's false sense of security. Whilst the advice is plausible for the wealth of the economy, it fails to address the impact that individuals will face if they choose to further their debt.
Christmas is fast approaching and consumers should expect to see an abundance of targeted marketing over the coming months. This, together with the heightened coalition government cuts which will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs is surely a confusing array of messages for the public to deal with.
The advice from the Governor comes as news of the global unemployment rate is failing to decrease. Amid a predicted double-dip recession, Bean's recommendation is far from responsible.
The advice could instigate companies to play on the public's confidence in consumerism, just as the recession saw a total of 230,137 calls from debt and loan management companies alone. Consumers should expect marketing channels to be increased as a ploy to persuade the public to spend, as advised by one of the nation's most trusted figures in the financial world.
Protecting ourselves from these types of calls is fundamental in protecting our financial situations and refraining from spending money on unnecessary products and services. CPR Global is a service that can reduce the temptation of spending money on unwanted items in unsolicited calls that use high pressured sales tactics.
Whilst the message is advising the public to spend, there is a wider story to be told and that is to spend responsibly and to personally choose where to invest, rather than to be told or even tempted by a high pressured sales person.
CPR Global is the only anti-nuisance service provider that can offer its customers advice on protecting themselves from such high pressured sales tactics. As well as putting a stop to 100% of nuisance calls, CPR Global's customer care team are available to handle the lengthy complaints process that is sometimes required to put a stop to unsolicited telesales calls.
For 39.75, customers can register three telephone numbers, including mobiles with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
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Businesses can save Time and Money Avoiding Unsolicited Calls at the Workplace
Receiving unsolicited calls at home is stressful enough but when cold callers disturb you at work, it take its toll on the company. For many, the workplace is a demanding environment and with the added burden of cold calls, it can prove to be unfavourable. Now there is a solution to the problem and that is the CPR All-In-One Call Blocker.
With over 1.5 billion nuisance calls and a further 1.5 billion silent calls directed towards the UK every year, the issue is proving to be a major concern to businesses who just want to pursue the working day in a hassle free environment.
This CPR All-In-One Call Blocker has been developed by CPR Global, the UK's leading anti-nuisance call service provider. The Call Blocker is already pre-programmed with 200 telemarketer's numbers that are recognised as being the most persistent companies by CPR Global.
Debt collection companies can also prove to be harassing and are known to bother debtors at work as well as at home. Nonetheless, such harassment is also considered to be illegal. The Administration of Justice Act 1970 makes it a Criminal Offence for a creditor or a debt collection agency to make demands which cause alarm, distress or humiliation, because of their frequency or publicity or manner.
Guidelines condemn contacting debtors at unreasonable times and intervals. Whilst the guidance does not spell out the types/times of when contact should occur, it does stipulate examples which are considered to be unfair: repeatedly calling at unsociable hours and calling places of work, etc.
Harassment can be verbal or in writing and would include making repeated calls to your workplace or in anti social hours. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 makes it a Criminal Offence for any person to pursue a course of action, for which they are fully aware; is considered to be harassment of another person.
As well as telemarketing and harassment calls, personal calls can pose a damaging effect on a company's daily outcomes. Many managers have banned personal calls during company time and rule that only emergency calls should be taken and received during the working day.
Making this rule a success can be achieved with the aid of the CPR All-In-One Call Blocker. With its unique 'block now' application, certain telephone numbers can be blocked, freeing up the line for appropriate calls during work hours. The creator of the device, CPR Global has made every effort to make this product affordable and they are offering businesses a deal on multiple purchases. Nothing can be more irritating than to be ignored by staff who are taking a personal call on the company line.
Sales people attempting to sell to other businesses are known to be an extreme deterrent, often resulting in a lack of concentration for staff in their daily tasks. Often it is difficult to deter sales people off the line due to their high pressured sales tactics.
A spokesperson for CPR Global said 'Whilst the Telephone Preference Service can prove to be effective in some instances, for many the calls fail to stop. This is because our details are constantly being sold on to third parties and before we know it, our details are at the hands of many data houses around the world which are distributed to call centres everywhere. '
The TPS is also unable to prevent harassment calls, recorded messages, silent calls and malicious calls, purely just unsolicited sales calls.
To save time, money and effectively your sanity, businesses should strongly consider purchasing the most affordable Call Blocker on the market at a one off payment of 47.75. You can do this by enquiring on CPR Global's free phone line 0800 652 7780 or alternatively by visiting their websitewww.callpreventionregistry.co.uk/products.html
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Save Time and Money Avoiding Unsolicited Calls
News of scams targeting computer users with virus threats draws attention to the sophistication of technology used by fraudsters. With one in four users targeted for this scam alone, CPR Global is urging the public to purchase their All-In-One Call Blocker.
Technology makes matters easy for those trying to swindle money out of the hard working public. Websites revealing personal information are in abundance on the Internet. They contain census data, electoral roll information, births deaths and marriage certificates, telephone numbers, addresses and even details of your age. Social networking also contains ample information for ID fraud.
Phone scams are far more predominant than other forms because the fraudster is more likely to successfully mislead and deceive over the telephone rather than in person.
According to a recent Ipsos MORI survey, 70% of UK phone owners say they have been victim of a phone scam. An OFT study also estimated that each year, 3.2 million adults fall victim to mass-marketing schemes, that is 6.5 per cent of the UK population collectively losing 3.5 billion.
With this information so readily available, it has become even more difficult for the average Joe to protect themselves against ventures like these. Other than common sense procedures like limiting the information about you on the Internet and withholding your information from third party companies, no quick, affordable solution to the problem has been uncovered until now as the CPR AIO Call Blocker is being introduced.
The CPR All-In-One Call Blocker has been developed by CPR Global, the UK's leading anti-nuisance call service provider. The Call Blocker is already pre-programmed with 200 telemarketer's numbers that are recognised as being the most persistent companies by CPR Global.
The Call Blocker has a unique 'block now' application which means that 100 extra telephone numbers can be blocked, freeing up the line for appropriate calls. The device can block a range of calls including telemarketing, scams, harassment call, malicious calls, silent calls, automated calls, personal calls and even more. The creator of the device, CPR Global has made every effort to make this product affordable and have offers available for multiple purchases.
Phone Scams are an extreme irritant and the worst case scenario can fetch a hefty price tag with fraudsters swindling thousands of pounds off the unsuspecting. Fewer than 5 per cent of people report fraudulent solicitations to appropriate authorities. CPR Global stresses that although their Call Blocker can prevent such fraud, consumers should report suspicious attempts to Action fraud on 0300 123 2040 in order to prevent future attempts on others.
Scam artists have been dabbling with a 'sucker list' for many years now. As an example of telemarketing fraud, people are being targeted and labelled as vulnerable and susceptible to such deception. If you have been gullible enough to fall for a scheme in the past, you may well have been added to the dreaded suckers list. The elderly are often subjected to pushy and domineering sales tactics due to their vulnerability and susceptibility to trusting deception.
The fraudsters are predominantly based overseas where they aren't restricted from UK laws. However, the CPR All-In-One Call Blocker can stop 100% nuisance calls from the UK as well as overseas.
A spokesperson for CPR Global said 'Whilst the Telephone Preference Service can prove to be effective in some instances, for many the calls fail to stop. This is because our details are constantly being sold on to third parties and before we know it, our details are at the hands of many data houses around the world which are distributed to call centres everywhere. '
The TPS is unable to prevent harassment calls, recorded messages, silent calls and malicious calls. The service is purely designed to prevent unsolicited sales calls which are never completely eradicated.
To save time, money and effectively your sanity, consider purchasing the most affordable Call Blocker on the market at a one off payment of 47.75. You can do this by enquiring on CPR Global's free phone line 0800 652 7780 or alternatively by visiting their website www.cprcallblocker.com.
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Christmas, Coalition Cuts and Consumer Confidence in ScotlandWith just over ten weeks left until the Christmas festivities begin, mixed signals are being received by the public from all directions. To spend or not to spend this Christmas, that is the question on the tip of everyone's lips.
Of the 84 million unsolicited telephone calls made to UK consumers every year by debt management and personal loan companies, the highest volume of sales calls are received between November and February. From these figures, we can see that the Christmas period is rife for unsolicited calls.
A recent Lloyds TSB survey in Scotland found positive signs of companies winning new business, despite low levels of confidence. But the bank's survey suggested growth was weak, muted and likely to be below 1% this year, and consumer and business confidence remained low in Scotland. Even in light of the news that consumer confidence is low, news is still emerging of the Scottish unemployment rising. The total number of Scots out of work increased by 25,000 to 239,000 between May and July this year. Scotland's unemployment rate is now 8.9 per cent compared to 7.8 per cent across Britain as a whole. It has been predicted that up to 60,000 public sector jobs could be lost in the next few years due to the cuts enforced by the coalition government. It is plain to see why the Scottish public remains cautious with regards to their spending.The Bank of England's Deputy Governor has urged the public to stop saving and to spend more. It is easy for a man of Charlie Bean's stature to advise the public to spend more. His job security offers him an environment for which he is able to spend without due care and attention.
Today it has also emerged that more Scottish men put savings away compared with women. At least 85% of those women without savings said they had none because they could not afford it. The figure fell to 73% for Scottish men. The statistics indicate that many Scots haven't got money to save, never mind to spend.
Although his message is designed to give the economy the boost that it so needs, Charlie Bean should have considered the financial predicaments that the recession has left the majority of the public. His attempt in replacing consumer confidence is likely to have the opposite effect.
Bean's misguided advice is a far cry from sensible however, his underlying message was presumably trying to initiate the fact that the public should spend while they can because soon, their savings will be rendered worthless.
Companies now have the ammunition to drive consumer confidence and to play on the nation's false sense of security. Whilst the advice is plausible for the wealth of the economy, it fails to address the impact that individuals will face if they choose to further their debt.
Christmas is fast approaching and consumers should expect to see an abundance of targeted marketing over the coming months. This, together with the heightened coalition government cuts which will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs is surely a confusing array of messages for the public to deal with.
The advice from the Governor comes as news of the global unemployment rate is failing to decrease. Amid a predicted double-dip recession, Bean's recommendation is far from responsible.
The advice could instigate companies to play on the public's confidence in consumerism, just as the recession saw a total of 230,137 calls from debt and loan management companies alone. Consumers should expect marketing channels to be increased as a ploy to persuade the public to spend, as advised by one of the nation's most trusted figures in the financial world.
Protecting ourselves from these types of calls is fundamental in protecting our financial situations and refraining from spending money on unnecessary products and services. CPR Global is a service that can reduce the temptation of spending money on unwanted items in unsolicited calls that use high pressured sales tactics.
Whilst the message is advising the public to spend, there is a wider story to be told and that is to spend responsibly and to personally choose where to invest, rather than to be told or even tempted by a high pressured sales person.
CPR Global is the only anti-nuisance service provider that can offer its customers advice on protecting themselves from such high pressured sales tactics. As well as putting a stop to 100% of nuisance calls, CPR Global's customer care team are available to handle the lengthy complaints process that is sometimes required to put a stop to unsolicited telesales calls.
For 39.75, customers can register three telephone numbers, including mobiles with CPR Global by calling freephone 0800 652 7780 or by visiting www.callpreventionregistry.com. E-mail is available at info@callpreventionregistry.com. Customers can be assured a top level of privacy with a fast and friendly call back service.
ENDS
NEWS RELEASE 28 February 2011 Swansea University works with local business to stop nuisance calls Research carried out by Swansea University's Department of Research and Innovation and local company, CPR Global (the Call Prevention Registry), could help eliminate unwanted sales and nuisance calls, of which there are an estimated 1.5 billion made to the British public every year, with 70% of phone owners claiming to have been a victim of a phone scam in the last twelve months. Dr Yue Li, Research Engineer within the Department of Research and Innovation, assisted CPR Global during the development stage of the All-In-One Call Blocker product. A device which uses innovative technology allowing an individual to block unwanted callers as they are calling by pressing the block now button, logging the number in the unit's memory so it is blocked permanently before ending the call. The All-In-One Call Blocker, which is now available to purchase, already comes pre-programmed with 200 of the most persistent telemarketing companies' telephone numbers that are recognised by CPR Global. Users are then able to block up to a further 100 telephone numbers. Director of the Department of Research and Innovation, Professor Jan Nielsen, said: 'Out of all the devices I have acquired, this has been the one which my friends have wanted to own the most.' As part of the project Dr Li provided key technical support and assisted in overcoming language barriers through translating information into Chinese. He explains: 'I helped CPR Global to understand the technical problems behind the device. The difficulty was that the telecommunication protocol of BT UK is different to that of China. I undertook research on the different protocols required and found a Chinese partner for CPR Global. The Chinese partner manufactured the samples based on my recommendations and a contract was subsequently negotiated.' Mr Andrew Sandbrook, Managing Director of CPR Global, which was established in 2005 with the aim of becoming the consumer champion for telemarketing call prevention, said: 'Since our first meeting in April 2010, we have worked well together ironing out the problems associated with developing new products and arranging meetings with manufactures who can produce the products.' He added: 'I would like to thank Professor Nielsen and his team for all their help.' For further information regarding the CPR Global All-In-One Call Blocker visit http://cprcallblocker.com/ For further information on Swansea University's Department of Research and Innovation visit http://www.swan.ac.uk/research_innovation/ ENDS Notes for Editors: http://cprcallblocker.com/- Swansea University is a world-class, research-led university situated in stunning parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower peninsula, the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Founded in 1920, the University now offers around 500 undergraduate courses and 150 postgraduate courses to more than 13,800 students. Visit www.swansea.ac.uk.