Stop those pesky unwanted calls and texts
Stop spam texts and cold calls, free entry to 380 farms, 50% off Starbucks, and beauty mag freebies. These are our Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis’ Deals of the Week.
Remember, deals can change quickly, even while I’m on the programme. So always double-check the terms and conditions before spending. Plus, while I hope these deals will save you cash, don’t spend if you can’t afford it, don’t need it, or won’t use it.
Stop spam texts and cold calls
Register with the Telephone preference service (TPS) and it is a criminal offence for firms to make unsolicited cold calls. The aim is to stop the annoying marketing and sales calls and texts.
Yet while 85% of landlines are registered, only 3% of people register their mobiles. And many people don’t know they can.
To register either go to their website, call 03450700707 or for mobiles there’s now a new service. Just send a text to 78070 with ‘TPS’ and your email address (needed to verify your identity). This should be included in your text bundle, yet some networks may charge between 8p - 15p.
The calls should stop coming within 28 days. Yet this service isn’t perfect – TPS is just a register for reputable EU companies. Non-EU companies and rogue firms may still be able to contact you. If you’re still receiving calls/texts you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Officer (ICO) on 03031231113 and give them as much info about the call as you can so they might be able to do something to stop it. And it’s not the only spam calls you can stop…
- Texts: To stop spam texts, forward the message for free to 7726 (spells spam) to your provider. Then block the number on your phone and if you want report it to the ICO as above. - Door knockers: If you get cold callers knocking at the door trying to sell you something or sign up, use Martin’s free stop cold callers sign’ that you can stick on your front door to deter them. If they persist (though it may be a criminal offence if they do) complain to the company they’re from and to the Trading Standards through Citizens Advice.
- Mail: To stop unwanted snail mail coming through the letter box (the ones with your address on it), join the Mail Preference Service register online or call 02072913310, once you have you should stop receiving letters within four months (though you should get a reduction before then).- Direct mail: For unaddressed letters, flyers, and other junk, the Royal Mail has the door-to-door opt-out system, which means they’ll stop delivering it to you. You’ll need to print the online form and post it back to ‘Freepost Royal Mail Customer Services’ or phone 03457740740.
Free welly wanging and more at 380 farms this Sunday
This Sunday (5 June) is themassively popular annual Open Farm Sunday event, where 380 farms across England, Scotland and Wales, will open their gates to the public. Most farms are free to walk in (roughly 90%), but others may charge a fee (£1 - £10) or ask for a donation. You might need to book ahead for some farms or activities so check out the details online before you go.
Every year I get great reports each year on how much fun this is and good for families (it’s been running for 11 years). Activities range from sheep racing and donkey rides to welly wanging and egg collecting; for instance the Road Farm in Aylesbury lets you try archery and learn about bush-crafts, Ro Farm in Bracknell have go karts and tractor rides, Wood Park Farm in Chester lets you milk a cow simulator, whilst Kentish Town City Farm has goat grooming and felt making (for a full list of activities and which farms are participating use this Farm Finder).
Martin’s Quickies:
Starbucks buy one get another 50% off. From tomorrow (Friday 3 June) head into most Starbucks stores (not airports, cinemas and hotels) before 11am and buy any coffee and you'll get a voucher to get a second cold brew or iced espresso drink half-price (usually around £2.50ish) after 12pm the same day (you need to go back to the same Starbucks). This is a decent deal to share with someone – if you're a morning coffee person and a friend/colleague needs the caffeine hit in the afternoon, you can split the cost. The offer is valid until Friday 24 June.
Free Eyeko products in £4 InStyle. Buy the July edition of InStyle magazine (£3.99, Sophie Turner on the front) and you'll get one of five Eyeko products free, including mini 4ml black mascara, full-sized 2g liquid black eyeliner, and mini 4ml brow gel (worth between £7.50 and £12).
Free Elemis products in £4 Marie Claire. Buy the July edition of Marie Claire (£3.99, Rebel Wilson on the front) you'll get a 15ml Elemis hydra-nourish day or night cream (worth £11-£12 based on the full sized versions). You need to buy both magazines by Thursday 30 June. Even if you don’t want to read the magazines, the freebies are pretty decent.