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0300 numbers
Charged at your standard geographic rate
Reserved for public sector bodies, charities and not-for-profit organisations. Same cost as a landline call.
Calls count towards your inclusive minutes in exactly the same way as a call to an 01 or 02 landline, so for most people they cost nothing extra.
Ofcom reserved 0300 for public bodies, charities and not-for-profit organisations. Calls cost the same as a landline call, so a 0300 number is a sign of an official or charitable caller, but not a guarantee.
Who is allowed to use 0300?
The 0300 range is set aside for public sector bodies, charities and not-for-profit organisations. Government departments, councils, NHS bodies and charities use it so that people can ring them at a predictable price. A business cannot simply rent a 0300 number, which is why it has more credibility than most unknown numbers.
Are 0300 numbers free?
No. They are charged at the standard landline rate and normally come out of inclusive minutes. If you are on a plan with unlimited UK calls, they cost you nothing extra. If you want a number that is certain to be free, look for an 0800 or 0808 alternative.
Can a 0300 call still be a scam?
Yes. Scammers impersonate government departments and charities, and the caller ID on your phone can be faked, so a call that appears to come from a 0300 number is not proof of anything. Genuine government departments do not threaten arrest or demand immediate payment by gift card or bank transfer over the phone.
- Do not give out passcodes, PINs or full card details to someone who rang you.
- Hang up and call the organisation back on the number printed on your card, bill or its official website.
- If a call claims to be from a government body, find its contact details yourself on the official site and ring that.
How to check a 0300 number
Type the full number into the search box on this page. You will see how other people have rated it and what they were told on the call. If nobody has reported it yet, you can add the first report.