The Telephone Preference Service, usually shortened to TPS, is the UK's official opt-out register for live sales and marketing calls. If you are tired of legitimate businesses calling out of the blue, registering is one of the simplest protective steps you can take.
What TPS actually does
TPS tells compliant organisations that your number should not be used for unsolicited sales calls. It creates a legal and regulatory boundary around that kind of contact. For many people, it cuts down at least some of the routine cold-calling noise.
What TPS does not do
TPS does not stop scammers, spoofers, or fly-by-night operators who ignore the rules. If a caller is already lying about who they are, the existence of a register will not bother them. That is why TPS is helpful, but not complete protection on its own.
How to use it properly
Register your number through the official TPS route and give it time to take effect. If lawful marketing calls continue after that point, keep a note of who called and when. A pattern of ignored TPS status can support a complaint to the ICO.
Best viewed as one layer
Use TPS alongside call blocking, voicemail screening, and number lookups. That combination is far stronger than any single tool on its own.