Cold calling is legal by default across the UK, both by telephone and at the doorstep, but consumers have legal options to make unwanted contact stop. Registering a phone number with the Telephone Preference Service makes it illegal for UK-registered companies to call, and doorstep visitors can be asked to leave at any point.
What the law says about cold calls
Telephone cold calling and door knocking are legal in the UK unless specific rules apply. Bans cover certain sectors, such as pension schemes. Callers must display their phone numbers and identify themselves when the call is answered. Pre-recorded marketing messages are illegal unless prior consent has been given.
At the doorstep, residents have the legal right to ask a caller to leave at any time. If the visitor refuses, a criminal offence has been committed. If a caller ignores a no cold calling sign on the property and knocks anyway, the incident can be reported to Trading Standards through an online report.
How to opt out of marketing calls
Consumers can register a mobile or landline number for free with the Telephone Preference Service. Once registered, it is illegal for UK-registered companies to call that number. The registration also stops companies targeting the UK from making live marketing calls, unless consent has been given.
If a consumer previously agreed to receive calls but no longer wants them, telling the company directly makes further calls illegal. This applies even if the number is already registered with the preference service.
