0300 and 0345 numbers Often legitimate
0300, 0345 and 0370 are non-geographic numbers charged at the same rate as an ordinary 01 or 02 landline call (and included in inclusive minutes). They are used by government, the NHS, charities and banks — so a call from one is often genuine, but the number can still be spoofed.
Just had a call? Check if it was legal →Answer a few questions and get a verdict, the right regulator to report it to, and a ready-to-send complaint.What 0300 numbers are
These 03 numbers cost the same to call as a standard UK landline and are included in any inclusive-minutes allowance. They cannot legally cost more than an 01/02 call. Public bodies, charities and banks favour them.
Who calls from 0300 numbers
- Government departments, councils and the NHS
- Banks and building societies
- Charities and not-for-profits
How scammers use 0300 numbers
The reassuring '03' style is easy to imitate on your caller display. Never share security details or move money because the number looked official — verify by hanging up and calling the organisation back on a number from their website or your card.
Why the number on your screen isn’t proof
The single most important thing to know about any incoming call is this: the number you see can be faked. Through a technique called “spoofing”, a caller can make almost any number appear on your display — a bank’s real 0800 line, a local landline, even your own number. So the caller ID is a hint, never proof of identity.
Ofcom now requires phone networks to block many overseas calls that fake a UK landline number, and rules to block spoofed UK mobile numbers are on the way — but gaps remain. Until then, judge a call on what it asks you to do, not on the number it shows.
What to do when one of these calls comes in
- Never share security details — passwords, PINs, one-time codes or card numbers — on a call you did not start.
- If it claims to be your bank, HMRC or a company you use, hang up and call them back on a number from your card, statement or their official website.
- Don’t be rushed. Pressure to act “right now” is the most reliable scam signal.
- If money is involved, dial 159 to reach your bank safely; call 999 if you feel in danger.
Cut future nuisance calls
- Register free with the Telephone Preference Service — it becomes unlawful for UK companies to make live marketing calls to you after 28 days.
- Turn on your network’s free call protection — BT Call Protect, Sky Talk Shield, EE Scam Guard, and the O2 / Vodafone / Three apps screen known nuisance callers before your phone rings.
Where to report a bad call
- A marketing or recorded sales call → the ICO.
- A silent or abandoned call → Ofcom.
- A scam → Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (Police Scotland 101).
Not sure which applies? The Cold-Call Checker works it out for you and writes the complaint.
Other kinds of number
Often legitimate
Mixed
Higher risk
Higher risk
Premium cost
Higher risk
Higher risk
Mixed
Sources
This is general guidance about a type of phone number, not a claim about any specific number or caller, and not legal advice. Number rules and costs are current as of the date above and can change.