Filtering databases...
You can register on a couple of databases with through BT which means that you are ‘protected’ from obtaining cold calls.

I did this years ago and there is a superb decline in offers of double glazing, exterior wall coatings, double glazing, free holidays, etc etc etc..

Occasionally you will get one of the companies try it on without carrying out their checks first and the conversation usually goes like this…

Person : “My name is Abcdef and I’m calling from Xyz Company. We are carrying out… yadda yadda yadda”
Bof : “That’s really quite interesting… what did you say your name was again?”
Person : “Abcdef”
Bof : “And what is the name of the company you are calling from?”
Person : “Xyz Company”
Bof : calmly…: “Great… before you go any further are you aware that my details are recorded on a couple of databases that are to prevent cold calling? That it is a requirement that you check before calling and that your company is now liable to fines that may exceed £2000?”

*click* Brrrrr…..

Works every time…
(bof, Fri 4 Sep 2009, 13:38, 3 replies)

You mean the Telephone Preference Service?
Nowt to do with BT

You can register here:
www.tpsonline.org.uk/ctps/number_type.html
although as outbound callers refresh their opt-out databases periodically, there is a grace period between registering and expecting enforcement.

It is very effective though, especially if you can register a new phone number before it's in active use.
(MartinB9999, Fri 4 Sep 2009, 13:46, closed)

Twas indeed thru BT
It was a few years ago... bout 10 and it was via BT because I had called to enquire about deal-line calls I was getting
(bof, Fri 4 Sep 2009, 16:01, closed)

Also
it's now £5000 per. Even better!
( Fronds are waving gently on, Wed 9 Sep 2009, 0:26, closed)