TPS Checker

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS)?

The TPS holds the telephone numbers of individuals opting out of receiving telemarketing calls and it includes sole traders and partnerships as well (commonly mistaken to being included with the business version of the TPS).

The Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) holds telephone numbers of businesses (Limited and plc companies) opting out of receiving telemarketing calls.

How do I screen against TPS and CTPS data?

You can clean small volumes of data against both the TPS and CTPS using www.tpschecker.co.uk, but if you want 24/7 online list cleaning that covers both TPS and CTPS then visit www.tpsservices.co.uk. Once you have signed up for an account you will be able to screen lists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except during periods of essential maintenance of course).

How up to date is the checking service?

We check for updates to the TPS register every day so our list should be no more
than 24 hours old.

Does TPS registration prevent all unwanted calls?

No. A TPS ban only applies to live marketing calls, but registering with the TPS might reduce other call types such as recorded message marketing calls and silent calls. It is, however, unlikely to stop scam calls.

Can I check multiple numbers?

We plan to release in future updates the ability to check up to five numbers at the same time.
If you want to check your cold call lists against the TPS we provide that as a separate online service on www.tpsservices.co.uk.

How many checks can I do?

On the free version of this website, you can check up to 10 numbers per day for FREE.

How long does it take for numbers to show on the register?

Consumers have to allow for 28 days from the date of registration for their number to become effective on the register. This is not to say that the number itself will take 28 days to show on our system. The 28 day limit is to allow time for companies to update and implement the changes in their systems. This means that whilst the number of unsolicited calls should start to reduce, consumers should not expect calls to stop until after the 28 day period.

Do consumers need to renew their subscription with the TPS?

Provided their telephone number remains active it will remain registered with the TPS indefinitely.

My company already operates an in-house “do-not-call” list. Do we need to sign up with the TPS as well?

It’s both good practice and in fact a legal obligation that you don’t call someone who has asked not to be called by your company. The regulations also empower the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) to take enforcement action against any company who is registered with the TPS.

Therefore, you will need to screen your outbound call lists against your own in-house Do Not Call list as well as the TPS register in order to avoid unnecessary complaints and fines.

We do a lot of outbound calling, if I screen my lists I will have fewer people to call?

Since 1st May 1999, it has been unlawful to place a direct marketing call to an Individual who has objected, either directly to you as a company or registered on the TPS.

The regulations require that companies comply with an Individual's request for suppression made to the TPS no later than 28 days after the request was registered.

Can I call my customers?

Yes you can. Although as daft as it may sound, this is under the provision that “they do not object to you calling them”.

Can I transfer my credits to www.tpsservices.co.uk?

Yes, we can arrange to transfer any credits you have left on your TPS Checker account over to our TPS Services website. Just contact our customer services team.

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