a a a Display options Cymraeg
Follow Ofcom on Facebook Follow Ofcom on Twitter Subscribe to the Ofcom RSS Follow Ofcom on YouTube Subscribe to the Ofcom Email Updates

Independent regulator and competition authority
for the UK communications industries.

Search Ofcom

Automated (recorded) calls

Man on phoneAt some time or other you’ve probably answered a call, only to hear a pre-recorded announcement at the other end.

Although these automated calls aren’t necessarily illegal, they could be a breach of privacy regulations if the caller doesn’t have your consent.

If you have any concerns or queries about these calls you can visit the website of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further advice. The ICO is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

Related issues:

Unsolicited sales calls
Unwanted sales faxes
Silent calls

Back to top

Ask us


Advice and complaints

  • Your fixed line, mobile and internet

    Our job is to make sure that phone companies treat you fairly.
    Our advice and monitoring forms

  • TV and Radio Programmes

    Are you concerned about a programme you have seen on television or listened to on the radio?
    Find out how to complain

  • TV and Radio reception problems

    The BBC are responsible for investigating complaints of interference to domestic radio and television.
    Advice and how to report a problem