Following consumer complaints, the Direct Marketing Authority has issued a statement to the public raising awareness of a company called the Telephone Protection Agency.
John Bridgeman, Chairman of the Direct Marketing Authority, commented, "Unlike the official Telephone Preference Service, which is free to register with, the Telephone Protection Agency is charging consumers to sign up to their service, claiming they can remove the consumer's number from telemarketing lists."
"The Direct Marketing Authority is extremely concerned that consumers may be persuaded to pay this unnecessary fee believing that they are registering with the well-established Telephone Preference Service. They will then not receive the service they are expecting thereby damaging the reputation upheld by the Telephone Preference Service at present."
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is available free of charge to consumers who wish to ensure that their number is no longer available to organisations that may contact them with offers and information the consumer does not wish to receive. Under Government legislation (introduced in May 1999) it is unlawful to make unsolicited direct marketing calls to individuals who have indicated they do not want to receive such calls. Consumers can do this either by contacting companies directly and asking them not to phone, or by registering with a central service (The Telephone Preference Service) to stop all such calls.
For further information, please contact:
Liz Bastone
DMA PR Manager
Tel: 020 7291 3315
Email: liz@dma.org.uk
About the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, it is unlawful for a company to make a sales and marketing telephone call to an individual who has indicated they do not want to receive such calls. A consumer can do this by either advising the companies directly not to phone, or registering with the TPS, a centralised service that will stop all such calls. This does not include market research calls - a request to stop calling will need to be made directly to them.
Administered by the Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd, the TPS consumer file is sent to companies registered with the TPS. Subscriptions are based on the volume of the file required and the frequency requested. There are currently just over three and a half million consumers registered with the TPS. Recent research from NOP showed that 96% of those registered were satisfied with the service. Further information on the TPS and registration details can be found at www.tpsonline.org.uk. Consumers can also call 0845 070 0707 to register (local call rate).
About the Direct Marketing Authority
The Direct Marketing Authority is an independent body established by the Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd in 1997, to ensure the direct marketing industry continues to maintain and continually raise its standards. The Authority investigates any complaints made by consumers and other businesses against DMA member companies to decide if there has been any breach of the DMA's Code of Practice, and makes adjudication as appropriate.
About the Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd (DMA)
The DMA UK is the largest trade association in the marketing communications sector, with almost 900 corporate members. The DMA's mission is to maximise value for members, whilst maintaining and enhancing consumer trust and confidence in the direct marketing industry.
To assist, the DMA administers a portfolio of Preference Services that allow consumers to register their contact details, free of charge, should they choose to reduce the amount of direct marketing approaches they receive via mail, telephone, fax and email.
DMA members benefit from added protection, intelligence and growth, which together we call the Power of Association. Within these three areas, DMA member services include government lobbying, free legal advice, training & development, representation on DMA Councils, networking opportunities, regular updates of current dm issues/legislation, research, use of the DMA logo, promotion of member companies and discounts on a range of dm products/services.
Over £11.85 billion was spent on direct marketing activity in 2002, resulting in over £60 billion worth of sales. This makes direct marketing one of the top ten industries in the UK. For further information please visit www.dma.org.uk. For details on the benefits of becoming a DMA member please call 020 7291 3388 to speak to the membership team, email membership@dma.org.uk, or visit www.dmamembership.org.uk
