HOW TO GUIDE
How to Stop Cold Calls in the UK — The Complete 2026 Guide
Updated July 2026 · 8 min read · By Silent Erase | ICO Registered C1971457
Cold calls are one of the most common nuisances facing UK residents. But they are also one of the primary ways fraudsters target victims. This guide covers every method available to reduce and stop unwanted calls — from free registration services to legal opt-out letters.
Key fact:
73% of UK adults receive unsolicited sales or scam calls every month. Cold callers obtain your phone number from data broker websites that sell UK phone numbers legally.
The Most Effective Methods — In Order of Impact
1
Remove your number from data broker sites
This is the single most effective long term solution. Cold callers buy phone number lists from data broker websites. Removing your number from these sites dries up the source. Silent Erase does this automatically across 500+ sites.
2
Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Visit tpsonline.org.uk and register your number for free. Legitimate UK businesses are legally required to check the TPS register before calling. Registration takes effect within 28 days. Note this does not stop scammers who ignore the law.
3
Set up call blocking with your provider
BT Call Protect, Sky Shield and Virgin Media all offer free call blocking services that automatically block known scam numbers. Contact your provider to enable this — it takes minutes to set up.
4
Use your phone's built-in blocking
Both iPhone and Android allow you to block individual numbers. After receiving a nuisance call open the recent calls list, tap the number and select Block. Also use the Silence Unknown Callers feature on iPhone.
5
Send a GDPR Article 21 opt-out letter
If a specific company keeps calling you can send a formal GDPR Article 21 objection to direct marketing. They must stop immediately — this right is absolute. Use our Clear Your Name tool to generate this letter free at silenterase.com/clear-your-name.
6
Report nuisance callers
Report persistent nuisance callers to the ICO at ico.org.uk or call 0303 123 1113. Report scam calls to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Use Silent Guard at silenterase.com/silent-guard to report numbers and check if a number has been flagged.
Why You Still Get Calls After Registering with TPS
The TPS only applies to UK-based legitimate businesses. It does not stop scammers, overseas call centres or companies that simply ignore the law. This is why removing your number from data broker sites is more effective — it stops your number being on the lists in the first place.
How to Handle Cold Calls When They Happen
Never confirm your personal details — legitimate companies already have your details if they are calling you about a genuine matter. If they ask you to confirm your name, address or date of birth hang up.
Never press 1 to opt out — pressing any button on an automated scam call confirms your number is active and often results in more calls.
Register the number — use silenterase.com/silent-guard to check if the number has been reported and to add your own report to help others.
Special Advice for Protecting Elderly Relatives
Elderly people receive disproportionately more cold calls and scam calls because their data is more extensively listed in public records. In addition to the steps above consider setting up a call blocker device on their landline — devices like the BT 8600 Advanced Call Blocker block nuisance calls automatically before the phone rings.
Remove Your Number from 500+ Data Broker Sites
The most effective way to stop cold calls is to remove your number from the sites that sell it. Silent Erase does this automatically.