Local resolution 1: You can try to approach the company that is sending junk mail, faxes or e-mail or annoying you with telephone or door to door sales techniques. Companies are legally obliged to remove you from their mail/telephone list so the problem should be solved immediately. If it is not, proceed to step 2.

Local resolution 2: The trade association for the direct marketing industry is the Direct Marketing Association. They manage the various Preference Services (telephone, fax, mail and email). Registering with these should result in your details being deleted from any direct mailing lists. Following new litigation introduced last year it is illegal for companies to use your contact details if you have registered with the relevant preference services. Information and contact details for the Preference Services are given below. The onus is on the company using a direct marketing list to filter out those who have registered, although this process usually takes 3 months to take effect fully. Less reputable companies may not refer to the preference services at all and you should contact the DMA in this case. If this is not effective, proceed to step 3. If your complaint relates to door to door sales you should complain to the Direct Selling Association (see below).

Authorities: The regulatory bodies mentioned in step 2 usually enforce your registration against unsolicited marketing. If this has not worked, you can refer your case to the Direct Marketing Authority. This is an independent regulatory body with quasi-judicial powers, that administers and monitors the code of practice of direct marketing professionals. If the company is not in the DMA, and you have been unsuccessful in any appeal to them then you should consult the Office of Fair Trading. In all cases, if the complaint is still unresolved then you should seek advice from your local Trading Standards Office or Citizens' Advice Bureau. They will give you free advice and may take up your complaint for you.

Court: Failing all else you can still go to court to resolve your dispute. Details of small claims court and other procedures are given in the Legal Section of this site. You can also contact the Community Legal Service (justask.org.uk) that gives access to free advice. Otherwise your local Citizens' Advice Bureau will give you advice and will sometimes organise free legal representation for you.