Aggressive phone marketing prompts complaints

THE telecoms regulator, ComReg, says it is investigating several complaints about cold calling.

The watchdog has received complaints in recent weeks from members of the public who have been bombarded by calls from companies offering phone services.

ComReg said many consumers were unclear about the prices being charged by these phone operators. Some of the companies were offering calls on a "per unit" rather than a per minute price. Often "per unit" calls are subject to a minimum call charge and if the call is shorter than the minimum duration the cost is still at the higher charge.

There were also reports that many of the sales representative were being abusive and harassing consumers repeatedly with calls.

ComReg did not name the companies involved or say how many complaints it had received. ComReg said last night that it requires all operators ensure their agents conduct their sales conversations with consumers in accordance with the highest professional standards and the relevant laws and that consumers should not be harassed by persistent calling.

"Under the Data Protection and Privacy Regulations 2003, it is an offence for a person to make an unsolicited telephone call for the purpose of direct marketing where the line subscriber has notified the person that it does not consent to the receipt of such a call," the regulator added.

It said anyone who continues to be harassed by phone should report the incidences to the Data Protection Commissioners office.

It added that anyone looking for telecoms services should be fully aware of the costs and charges before signing any documents.