I OBJECT most strongly to having to ring 'income generating' numbers 0845 and 0870 to speak to businesses. This seems to be a way for firms to make money from unsuspecting customers. Ringing 0845 costs 6p to connect and 4p a minute thereafter; 0870 cost a minimum of 8p per minute. It's very rare to be put through immediately, but then, why would they answer the phone immediately – it's in their interest to keep you waiting for a few more minutes.
I have waited for up to 25 minutes on hold. These numbers are advertised as 'lo-call' numbers which sounds like 'local' numbers but this is not the case. I'm sure many people are unaware of just how much these calls are costing them.
I changed my bank, after being with them for over 60 years when they decided to use 0845 numbers.
It is sometimes possible to 'fight back'. Try using http://www.saynoto0870.com">www.saynoto0870.com where alternative geographic numbers are sometimes listed, and there might even be an 0800 number listed; yet this will rarely be shown on the headed paper of the company.
I don't mind paying for the call using a geographic number as they are included in my telephone deal, but I strongly object to paying a company to take my call via these income generating numbers. I think they should be banned. – George Sankey, Aust Crescent, Chepstow.