"Fines Issued for Unlawful Marketing Calls to UK's Do-Not-Call Register"

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued fines of £250,000 to two energy companies for making unlawful marketing calls to people and businesses registered on the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS). The two companies charged are Maxen Power Supply Ltd, from Ilford, Essex, and Crown Glazing Ltd, based in Preston, Lancashire. According to complaints, both companies made unsolicited marketing calls while claiming to be representing organizations such as the National Grid, other energy suppliers or the UK Government. They also asked call recipients for information about their current supplier and meter readings. These calls put pressure on the public to switch contracts, potentially leading to financial damage to those receiving them. The ICO warns that using third party overseas call centres or false identities to make such calls is also against the law and will not help companies avoid attention. The ICO can prosecute those responsible and apply significant fines to protect the public and UK businesses from such nuisance calls and texts.