Cold calling ban to reduce fake holiday sickness claims
Abta predicts the government ban on cold calls will reduce the number of fraudulent holiday sickness claims made against tour operators.
The new measures prohibiting nuisance calls came into force over the weekend.
People will now be given the choice to opt in to receiving calls offering to settle personal injury claims. Previously, people had to opt out by registering with the Telephone Preference Service or withdraw their consent while on the phone.
Now, companies making such calls have to ensure they have the recipient’s permission before the conversation. Fines for breaching the rules could be as high as £500,000.
An Abta spokesman said : “Abta is delighted that the government has banned claims management companies (CMCs) from making unsolicited phone calls through the Financial Guidance and Claims Act. Most of us will have received annoying, unwelcome calls from companies encouraging us to make a claim for PPI, car accidents or holiday sickness.