Who Called Me From an 0843, 0844, 0845 or 0870 Number?

0843, 0844, 0845, 0870 and 0871 numbers sit in an awkward middle ground - they're not freephone, not premium-rate, but they do cost more than a normal call. So when one rings you, there are two questions: who is it, and will calling back cost me? This guide answers both and explains how to handle an unexpected service-number call.

What 084 and 087 numbers are

084 and 087 are service numbers. When you call one, you pay two parts:

• An access charge set by your own phone provider (a stated pence-per-minute rate).
• A service charge set by the organisation you're calling (also stated per minute, up to a regulated maximum).

Both charges must be published wherever the number is advertised, so the cost is meant to be transparent. They're commonly used by larger businesses, booking lines and some helplines. Our 084/087 service numbers guide sets out the detail, and you can check any specific number with the free phone number checker.

Note that 0845 and 0870 are legacy ranges being phased down in favour of 03 numbers, which cost the same as a landline call.

Does it cost to call back an 084 or 087 number?

Yes - this is the key difference from freephone and 03 numbers. Returning a missed call to an 0843, 0844, 0845, 0870 or 0871 number means paying both the access and service charges per minute, which can add up if you're put on hold. So before you ring back:

• Check whether you even need to. If it was an automated marketing call, you almost certainly don't.
• Look for an alternative number. Many organisations also publish an 03 or geographic number that costs less. Ofcom rules mean essential public services and post-sale customer lines shouldn't use higher-cost numbers.
• Run the number through the phone number checker so you know exactly what you're dealing with before dialling.

Who calls from 084/087 numbers - and the scam angle

Genuine callers include booking systems, larger service providers and some account or appointment lines. But service numbers are also used in two dubious ways:

• Cost traps. A scam or low-quality "support" advert lists an 084/087 number for something that should be free (a helpline, a refund line), so you rack up charges while being kept on hold.
• Impersonation. As with any number, the caller ID can be spoofed to look like a legitimate service line.

Here's a realistic trap:

A pop-up or advert offers a "customer support line" for a well-known company on an 0844 number. You call, wait on hold at a per-minute charge, and either get nowhere or are talked into something - all while the number's operator profits from your call time.

Genuine companies put their real support numbers on your account, statements or official website - not in pop-ups or sponsored adverts.

What to do with an unexpected 084/087 call

1. Don't rush to call back - check whether it's something you actually need to deal with.
2. Identify the number with the free phone number checker and search it online.
3. Find a cheaper alternative number for the organisation if you do need to call.
4. Never share security details, and verify any "bank" or "official" caller by ringing back on a trusted number (159 for banks).
5. Report anything that looks like a scam to Action Fraud and forward details to 7726.

The bottom line

An 084 or 087 call is a service number: costing you nothing to receive, but more than a standard call to ring back. Don't assume you need to return the call, look for a cheaper 03 or geographic alternative if you do, and apply the usual scam caution. A quick check with the free phone number checker tells you the number type and likely cost before you commit.