The NTS Scams Team has suspended the call blocking project until further notice to protect UK citizens from the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. Follow them at @AgainstScams on Twitter or @FriendsAgainst on Facebook, and check in on their website for any updates.
If you, or someone you know, are receiving scam or nuisance calls and feel that circumstances make you or them more susceptible to scams, you can apply for a free call blocker at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker
The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team has secured government funding to provide free* call blocking units to help protect people in receipt of scam or nuisance phone calls and feel their circumstance may make them more likely to fall for a scam.
What is a call blocker and how does it work?
The NTS Scams Team is supplying the trueCall Secure Plus call blocker unit. A call blocker is a unit that filters unwanted scam or nuisance phone calls (more info here) from your landline (this unit does not work with mobile phones). You can watch some short animations on how the unit works here. The call blocker checks the caller’s number. If it is a trusted caller then it allows the phone to ring as normal. If the caller isn’t recognised, then the call blocker acts as a personal assistant by intercepting the call and asking the caller to identify themselves. This process blocks unwanted calls without the phone ever ringing. If you want even more protection, the call blocker can completely block calls from unrecognised callers with an automated message asking them to hang up and call a nominated person if their call is important. The unit plugs into an existing phone and phone line, it can work alongside broadband and/or lifeline/pendant devices that are already installed.
Further information and how to apply
Simply visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker
