Unsolicited Phone Calls

[Beverley-NRAS]

Dear UK based readers

We have recently been made aware of a telephone call that is being made by people saying they are from an organisation called Arthritis Awareness Week. The person asks if you have arthritis and are having trouble sleeping. They then offer a home visit by one of their advisers to talk about beds, etc. NRAS would just like to make it known that this company has no affiliation to us and that people should be very wary about giving out any personal information.

Over the years we have heard about similar calls being made from companies that say they have some link to arthritis and are offering home visits. We would just like to reiterate that we do not offer home visits or pass your details on to any organisations that do. If you receive a call like this and you are concerned, if you can take as much information as possible you can pass it on to your local police for investigation. Alternatively you can call us to discuss your concerns.

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

We have tracked this organisation down and they are a commercial company based in Leeds called ARTHRITIS WE CARE. They sell electric adjustable beds and chairs so basically trying to sell you something. They are not associated with ourselves, Arthritis Care or ARUK and are NOT a patient organisation.

We have tried to contact them and are considering reporting them to relevant authorities if they persist in this unethical cold calling.

It makes me so mad when companies "pretend" to be something they are not

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

Another useful tip for blocking unsolicited calls is to register with the Telephone Preference Service tpsonline.org.uk

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a central opt out register whereby individuals can register their wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS.

You can register your landline and mobile numbers.

[Spooky in reply to Clare-NRAS]

Hi Clare, I have BT call guardian, it was installed on the phone which I bought for that reason. Anyone not in my contact list has to announce who they are. I find that all cold callers hang up. Thanks for the head up just in case though!!

[Valdun]

I wish I knew how to save your info to a folder? I hate asking for help from my son and husband! But maybe I can figure it out. I did try googling to find out how to do this, and I did not understand the instructions, so I just copied it into my address! Guess I will always use the trusty pen and paper!