Unwanted telephone sales calls are regarded by many as one of the inevitable inconveniences of modern life. These calls can be especially annoying, the phone always seems to ring just as youre about to sit down to a family meal or step into a nice relaxing bath.

Although most people find these calls irksome, a significant number such as the elderly, people who live alone, people separating after an abusive relationship etc. - can also find them intimidating. This is especially so if, when the phone is answered, there is nobody at the other end a common occurrence as telemarketing firms often disconnect if the call is not answered quickly enough in order to maximise their efficiency.

Some people go to incredible lengths to deal with these calls. They invent stories about why they arent interested in the product or service on offer, they pretend that theres someone at the door anything other than just saying sorry not interested and hanging up.

Its quite possible that one of the few things worse than unwanted telephone sales pitches is listening to the bizarre and convoluted methods people dream up to deal with them. Of course, the fact that people feel the need to be so inventive simply serves to underline the powerful influence of these calls.

The good news is that its very easy to stop all of these calls completely. In the UK, simply register with the Telephone Preference Service(TPS). This can be done online for residential, mobile and commercial telephone numbers - and its completely free.

There is a 28 day period of grace after registration. After this time has elapsed any company which phones you is acting unlawfully and liable to a fine. In practice, the system works very well and you are extremely unlikely to receive any sales calls after the 28 days is up.

In the USA a similar scheme, the National Do-Not-Call Registry, exists. Like the UK service it is free and you can register online register online or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (toll free). With the US system there is a 31 day period of grace. After this you should no longer receive any unwanted sales pitches by phone.