More than 32 million people pestered by PPI claims

The Government must give regulators more powers to crack down on unscrupulous claims firms that are contacting consumers without permission, Which? has demanded.

Meanwhile, the advice charity has said cold-calling from financial firms should be banned.

Which? spoke out this week after research from Citizens Advice revealed that two-thirds of us – about 32 million people – have received an unwanted telephone call, text, email or letter about payment protection insurance (PPI).

Almost all – 98 per cent of those asked – said that they have never given the companies permission to make contact.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: "It's completely unacceptable that precious family time, important work meetings and rare opportunities to relax are being ruined by PPI cold calls.

"Nuisance calls aren't just irritating, they're often a sign that the service on offer isn't very good or is actually a scam."

She pointed out that there is a particular problem with claims-management companies with promises made over an unexpected phone call often not fulfilled.

"I want financial-services firms to be banned from cold calling," said Ms Guy.

"That will help consumers identify good firms from the bad. Then if you get a cold call, you'll know it is either a bogus firm or a company not to be trusted," she added.