This quick step could stop cold calls to your French mobile
Tool can generate a letter to prevent your data being passed on by network operators
Around three in four people receive a cold call to their mobile at least once a week
fizkes / Shutterstock
A tool that prevents your data from being sold on by your phone network operator can help reduce the number of cold calls you receive on your mobile in France.
More than three-quarters of people in France receive cold calls at least once per week on their mobile, states consumer rights association UFC-Que Choisir.
Although some services to reduce cold calls – like the government-backed ‘Bloctel’ – are already in place, these are mainly used for landlines as opposed to mobile networks.
Read more: Tips to avoid cold calls in France - and what to say if you get one
Whilst your personal data is sometimes ‘phished’ and then used by cold callers, basic information such as telephone numbers and email addresses are often sold by mobile network operators.
Most of the time, both with your network operator and other companies, users implicitly agree to let their data be sold when agreeing to the terms and conditions of services.
However the ‘Respectmesdatas’ tool allows users to demand their mobile operator stops passing this data on and allows you to see the data held on you by other companies.
Read more: Explainer: When and by whom can you be cold-called in France?
Tool only takes few minutes to generate letter
To use the tool, visit respectemesdatas.fr and find the section to create a letter for your operator (where it says ‘Cliquez Ici’).
Select your mobile network operator from the list and the Opposez-vous au transfert de vos coordonnées (block the retransmission of your phone number) request.
You need to provide your name and email address as well as your contract number with the operator (you will be able to find this on an email or letter from them).
A letter will then be drafted that you can copy and paste and then send to your operator.
This should reduce the number of cold calls your mobile phone receives.
The website also allows you to check the data that certain firms may have about you, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, Uber, and TikTok.
For each of these website, it provides a step-by-step guide on how to find this information in the settings or services section of your account.
Related articles
Four ways to stop cold calls to your French telephone number
