Ringing HSBC... do they benefit from 0845 calls?

Cash-Strapped.T32

I won't name any names for reasons that will become obvious, but when I searched for the company I work for on SayNoTo0870, the only alternative number for about 6 months was *my* desk phone's number! :eek:

Luckily there seems to be a few more now, but my number is still dangerously close to the top..


(honestly, completely true story, I couldn't have made it up it's so bonkers)

MoneySaverLog

opinions4u wrote: »

I have noticed that Lloyds TSB have been putting local numbers on some of their web pages recently.

A good move, it also shows the 01733 abroad number on the back of your debit card with them too. :T

I supose the revenue from their 0845 numbers help pay their call centre staff, well at least that's the excuse I was given by Sky after waiting on hold on their non geographical numbers for what seemed like an eternity.

I now notice the move away from 0845 and 0870 with other companies, that is really annoying as I get free calls as part of my plan with vodafone to those numbers :mad:

callum9999

me81pb wrote: »

Be honest though the police/government need the money, the banks certainly don't. Typical of the big high street banks in my experience, ripping us off at every oppertunity.

I'm aware of saynoto0870

Thankyou

I'm so glad I don't work for a bank!

If the bank makes money, they are evil money-grabbing corporations out to rip everyone off. If the bank loses money, they are evil economy-wrecking corporations out to rip everyone off. They can't win!

flexrider

if you are concerned about ringing 0845 numbers im sure Bt have a option of free calls to them numbers i know for a extra few quid on a mobile tarrif (5 pound) on vodafone it comes out of your mins i think 02 do a bolt on also for it

hope that helps
flex

MoneySaverLog

flexrider wrote: »

if you are concerned about ringing 0845 numbers im sure Bt have a option of free calls to them numbers i know for a extra few quid on a mobile tarrif (5 pound) on vodafone it comes out of your mins i think 02 do a bolt on also for it

I don't think it's concern over a few quid, it's the principle of the thing that gets me. I pay my bills, and if something goes wrong I have to call them to put it right at my expense using these numbers, with no alternative freephone or 01, 02 or 03 number.

If things go right, there should be no need to call any of these companies/banks. It's just another moneyspinner to them.

McKneff

Ive saved a fortune over the years with Saynoto0870. Specially since i get free calls with Sky evenings and weekends.

I try to leave anything with a generic number till evening, its amazing how many places are still open, HMRC, DWP, Call centres.

Also lots of freephone numbers on there too.

MoneySaverLog

Yes it is a great site, but often once companies get wind of the numbers being on there they change them. :-(

saabay

Every 08** number has a geographical 01*** or 02*** behind it. You could always insist they gave you that. I once worked for a firm that only used 0870 numbers and constantly got complaints off people about big phone bills when they were dealing with us so I gave the geographical number instead (wasn't supposed to but tough - I hate ripping people off and being ripped off).

MoneySaverLog

You are right, each of these numbers has to be ported across to a physical landline number e.g. 01, 02, 03. If you ask the operator what it is they will either say they are not aware of it, or this is the only number you can call them on.

Often though your call centre operative will not even know any of this, and the bosses are not going to tell them.

dung_a82

I think companies use 0844 number mostly maybe to prevent bogus bad intention calls and service abuse. Those numbers definitely discourage some naughty people from calling up and harassing their employees. Same applies with the police. If it is free, there might be some bored teenagers who will pick up a local phone booth and call just for fun or sometimes threatening. I used to work as support and we used to receive bogus calls and some threatening to wait for us and beat us outside the company gate (from the number they know we are local... lol_). However, with 0844 number, this reduces significantly.

Hence, with the paid phone number, only genuine customers needing service would think of picking up the phone paying for the phone fee to call (the 01, 02, 03 still is free with some packages).

Anyway, that only is my own thought.