Stop unwanted Mail and Faxes. Telephone numbers There are companies out there who, having obtained your telephone number, will either print it themselves on address labels or give consent for others to do so. UNACCEPTABLE ! and more so if the numbers are Un-Listed (ex-directory). To stop this practice, and under the Data Protections act, informing the companies over the telephone is not good enough. I agree. So, how do we stop this practice. First, stop ordering items verbally and do it in writing. In the letter/Order always state the folowing.... The information within this letter/Order is not for circulation in ANY Form. This includes written details of telephone numbers on or within Address Labels or in plain view to any other party, period. If you find information has either been printed or circulated, you now have written proof. (Verbal contracts are not worth anything ! That applies across the board on all matters !) Contact the Data Registrar on 01625 545745 and get a complaints form. Remember to keep all written comunications. You will need these. Contact your local MP and get him or her to do something about it. Under the Data Protections Act almost everyone has to be registerd. The documentation states quite clearly that if information is to be distributed, and that includes selling information, then those registered must state that fact and give the customer the opportunity to either allow this or not. The assumption that customer automatically gives this consent does not arise and cannot be assumed. Private Residential Lines with Fax Machines. If you find that companies are sending you unsolicited messages etc, you can stop this. Under the Data Protections Act all you have to do is write to them and get them to remove all traces of your number from any digital/magnetic storage devices. I suggest sending the letter by Recorded Delivery and not put your name and address on it, just the post code. Keep a copy of the letter or letters. If they continue to send you faxes, contact the Data Registrar on 01625-545745 and complain. OFTEL can stop these companies and individuals BY LAW. Get as much information on the callers and then write or call OFTEL to get it stopped. Stop JUNK Mail through your letter box. Many people have asked how to stop 'JUNK' mail from being posted through their letter boxes. The answer is simple, write (with details) to: Mail Preference Service FREEPOST 22, London W1E 7EZ. Some more useful telephone numbers.(UK) Oftel = 0845 7145000 (local rate) Oftel = 0171 6348700 DTI = 0171 2155000 Office of Fair Trading = 0171 2118000 Trade and Standards = 01905 765373 west midlands. Please check for your local offices. The AA = 0990 500600 The RAC = 0990 313131 Remember that telephone numbers are set to change here in the UK. For information please contact the following telephone number of 0802 224 2000. ©Copyright All Rights Reserved 1999. Webmaster Charles P. White.