Firms to be fined up to £2m for silent calls

Date: 24th March 2010

Businesses in the UK could face fines of up to £2 million for causing distress with silent or abandoned calls to consumers.

The new limit, which was announced by Kevin Brennan, minister for consumer affairs, represents a significant increase on the previous £50,000 maximum.

It is hoped the size of the new fines will act as a bigger deterrent for organisations that persistently make nuisance calls.

Mr Brennan said: "Companies who make nuisance calls by abusing automated equipment should face the consequences, which is why those who break the rules will be fined with a hefty penalty of up to £2 million."

The minister said the new fines could also lead to a boost for the UK's businesses.

"I hope our decision will be a catalyst for better business practice, increasing customer loyalty and reducing operational costs for handling complaints," he explained.

The fines were unveiled following a government consultation which revealed silent calls are being generated by call centres using automated calling systems.