Does calling a 020 number cost money? This is a popular inquiry because non-geographic phone numbers are frequently mistaken for local ones. All 020 numbers are area codes for London and Greater London, thus callers may incur additional costs if they dial them.
Calling a 020 number may or may not cost more than a regular call to a landline or mobile phone, depending on your calling plan and the operator you use. You should also consider whether you are phoning from inside or outside London to avoid any unexpected fees.
In this piece, we’ll cover everything you need to know about UK 020 numbers, including how much you can expect to pay for calls of this nature.
What are 020 Numbers?
Phone numbers beginning with 020 are those for Greater London. They replaced the 0181 and 0171 prefixes and went into service in April of 2000. Telephone numbers beginning with 020 consist of a three-digit code (020) followed by seven digits.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-black-rotary-phone-163007/
Area with 020 Includes:
Inner London: E14, EC1-4, N1-22, SE1-20, SW1-20, W1-14
Outer London: E15-18, NW3-7, RM9-17, TW8-19
Surrounding Areas: HP23+24, IG2+3, MK41-48, NW9-11
How Much Does it Cost to Call a 020 Number?
A number of variables affect how much it will cost to call a 020 number. In the first place, local calls from within London typically cost no more than those made from the rest of the country. However, a mobile call made within London to a UK landline may cost more than a local call.
In addition, dialing 020 numbers from outside London may incur additional charges or higher rates during specific periods of the day or week, depending on your phone service provider and plan. For instance, during the weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., BT charges a premium for these calls.
While many people may not realize it, many mobile and landline phone provider plans include 020 numbers in their inclusive minutes.
It’s also possible that the company using the 020 number will tack on some extra fees. This is especially true of nonprofits and charities that rely on fees for financial support.
Can 020 Numbers Be Used By Anyone, Not Just Those in London?
One of the problems with 020 numbers is that companies based outside of London can buy “virtual” 0203 numbers. As long as the organization clarifies on its website or other communications that there will be a fee for calls to these lines, this is generally legal practice. However, this may lead to misunderstandings for callers who thought they were calling a London number but were actually paid a higher rate.
Individuals and businesses outside of London can utilize a 0203 number for various reasons. Among these are:
– Appear Local to Callers
– Get benefits from the perceived prestige of being London based
– To make it easier for customers or clients to remember the number
– As part of a National Branding Strategy
– To provide customers with a single point of contact no matter where they are located
Potential Scams Linked to 020 Numbers:
Scammers have also been known to use 020 numbers. This is why you should always research a company’s validity before giving out any personal information or paying.
Another common fraud is voicemails that instruct you to call a premium rate number. Premium rate calls, in which you are charged an exorbitant sum for the call, are another common scam.
Because 0203 numbers are for sale, dishonest businesses can trick clients into thinking they’re communicating with a legitimate establishment, especially if the fraudster is pretending to be a legitimate London-based business and using a phone number that sounds quite close to the real one.
How to Protect Yourself from 020 Number Scams:
The simplest approach to avoid falling victim to scams with 020 numbers is to be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior. You may protect yourself from falling for these scams by being vigilant and wary of any unexpected requests for your personal information.
Investigating the firm online and reviewing the corporate website for contact data or references can also help you verify the company’s legitimacy. If you’re concerned about being overcharged for phone calls, you can also find out if your service provider provides any safeguards against premium rate numbers.
Final Thoughts:
In sum, 020 numbers can be a convenient way to reach local businesses and take advantage of lower rates that apply only when making calls within London. However, the answer to “Do 020 numbers cost you to call?” might vary depending on various circumstances, including the phone service provider, the time of day, and the company. Constantly be on guard against fraud, especially while dialing 020 numbers. You may defend yourself from these frauds by being cautious and researching the firm before giving out any personal information over the phone or online.
