MP Mark Menzies has called on the Government to beef up its plans to sanction cold callers who breach direct marketing guidance.



Speaking in the House of Commons debate on the Digital Economy Bill, the Member of Parliament voiced concerns that initial proposals do not go far enough to protect vulnerable people against predatory callers.

Mr Menzies said: “[This Bill] was written in the assumption that we are dealing with honourable people, but we are not.

“The companies that overwhelmingly engage in direct marketing are rogues and shysters.

“For example, I have a constituent who is in the early stages of dementia. She receives calls almost daily.

“When my constituent tries to gather information so that she can deal with the matter, the caller will not give out the name of the company and will not identify who they are calling on behalf of, and, guess what, they do not have a website.”

Mr Menzies pointed out that this currently makes it impossible for her to report cold callers to the Information Commissioner.

He went on to say: “They are people who are prepared to break the law as it currently stands and to prey on the vulnerable in their tens and hundreds of thousands.

“I say to the Government that if they seriously want to do something about tightening up nuisance calls to the most vulnerable people in our constituencies, now is their chance.”

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