To point a possible alternative to expensive 0845 and 0870 Numbers

[BloominNora]

I've linked to this site a few times recently after reading about people despairing about expensive 0845 numbers - particularly in public services, but thought it deserved a thread of it's own.

If you are given an 0845 or other 08 number to call, check this site first to see if there is an alternate freephone or landline number:

SAY NO TO 0870

Even if the alternate number doesn't get you to the correct department, you can usually then get an internal transfer.

Its saved me a fortune!

If you've been following the news you will have heard that government departments have been told to stop using these numbers.
Also, new consumer legislation is coming in from April that will stop companies from using premium numbers for account enquiries.

I never call premium rate lines, always check that website first. There is usually an alternative number and transferring to the right department is easy.

Its disgusting that benefits agencies etc have premium rate lines.

0845 and 0870 are included in BT landline free numbers and some others.

watch out for 0844 and 0871 which are NEVER included and are eye wateringly expensive. These are order lines for many companies, especially those that have an older customer base - catalogues etc. Funny that...

and yes, SAYNOTO0870 is marvellous!

Love that site. I phoned the bank with a complaint recently after finding their landline number on that site. When the complaint was resolved, the bank offered to pay me for the phone call (assuming I'd used their 0845 number) and I received £11. For a call that was free. -smug-

I always check Say No first: it is a great website