0800 Reverse: Don't do it

MSE_Martin

UPDATED 25 MARCH 2008

What's this about?

Adverts for reverse charge services have been flying around the screens lately but contrary to what they say this is a number you don't need to know. If caught on the hop without a phone you're charged a whopping £3.98 for a 1 min call.

What to do instead

They're a few techniques you can use in case you get a bit unstuck:

• Have a secret code name
  
  While it sounds a bit cloak and dagger this can work a treat if you've run out of credit on your phone. Simply pre arrange a special code name for example Mr T. When the operator calls they will ask if the receiver will accept a call from Mr T, simply pre arrange for them not to accept the call and instead to call back on your mobile. This way you won't be charged a penny but can still get in contact.

• Use a BT chargecard.
  
  Simply register for a BT charge card (for free) for emergencies. Calls cost a fraction of the price at 20p/min to landlines or 20p/min to mobiles weekends, 31p/min evenings or 60p/daytimes. This can then be charged back to a debit or credit card or a direct debit can be set up.
  
  If you want it set up so your BT bill is charged calls are slightly more expensive at 12p/min to landlines and 28p/min plus a 12p/min surcharge if you're using a payphone. Either way it will save you a packet on the usual reverse charge numbers.
  
  You'll be given an account number and pin which can be memorable to save you carrying the card around.

Click reply to discuss

bbb_uk

Thank you Martin.

More information about BT Calling Cards here.

This BT site mentions the different type of cards available.

hurrah

The other thing you can do is get yourself an 0800 number for private/internal use only.Some providers will give you free connection,free rental,free set up,and charge from 3p a minute.

mobilegossip

If its for your childrens use and your worried about them running up a big bill. You can restrict the BT charge card to call one number only.EG: Home.

acezing

I use a prepay a/c from http://www.firsttelecom.com/residential/residential-topupandtalk.htm

UK calls are only 2p from most landlines using their 0800 number(their surcharge from a payphone is only 15p).

Calls to mobiles start at 12p.

You can also use it from overseas and your UK Mobile which can be handy at times.

bbb_uk

mobilegossip wrote:

If its for your childrens use and your worried about them running up a big bill. You can restrict the BT charge card to call one number only.EG: Home.

I noticed that as well which I didn't know about but is a good idea as it stops them making freephone calls to everyone.

Products available within the Chargecard portfolio are:

• Contact card, which can be used to dial one pre-selected number in the UK or abroad
• Multicontact card, which can be used to dial up to nine pre-selected numbers in the UK or abroad.
• National card, which can be used to make calls with in the UK
• International card, which can be used to call almost any number in the UK or abroad.

Taken from BT's website here.

renifos

yes, this is a right scam. My son used it a couple of times because he had no credit on his mobile. It cost me nearly £10. This should be banned!!!
What a good idea to pre-arrange a name and refuse the call.It's payback time BT!!!

EFI

It's not that bad if you are cheeky the person calling on 0800 has to say their name, but they could say "it's J ring me" my kids do it all the time and it is free

bestyman

I got an exactly one minute reverse charge call from my 12 yr old son in France. on a school trip. The cost was £ 10. Lucky thing I didnt keep him talking

Thanks BT .

Bestyman

ps. Hurrah, I just got a 0800 for my business and they are charging me a fiver a month ( some inclusive minutes) where are they free?

mactheinsomniac

EFI wrote:

It's not that bad if you are cheeky the person calling on 0800 has to say their name, but they could say "it's J ring me" my kids do it all the time and it is free

It works a treat !

My kids do this most days if they need me !

Fran

EFI wrote:

It's not that bad if you are cheeky the person calling on 0800 has to say their name, but they could say "it's J ring me" my kids do it all the time and it is free

Be aware though that they are on to that one. The person making the call might get the message "reverse charge calls cannot be made to this number". Presumably this happens once too many calls like this have been made over a certain time period. That's not to say it might not work again after another time period. :cool: However the person making the call might end up without cash and with no way of getting through.