0345, 0370, and 0371 numbers explained

Updated 2026-05-02

These are non-geographic UK numbers charged at the same rate as a standard 01/02 landline call. Banks, councils, and big retailers favour them because they're location-neutral and bundled into mobile minutes.

Legitimate uses

NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, the DVLA, and HMRC all publish 0345 customer service numbers on their official sites. If a 0345 call seems plausible, hang up and call the number printed on your bank card or on gov.uk.

How they're spoofed

Scammers spoof these prefixes specifically because customers trust them. The displayed number is meaningless as proof of identity — caller ID can be set to anything.

Red flags

  • Caller asks you to confirm card details, PIN, or security codes
  • Insists you stay on the line while you 'verify' something
  • Mentions transferring funds to a different account

What to do

  1. Hang up.
  2. Call the number on the back of your card.
  3. Report any spoofing attempts to your bank's fraud line.

Frequently asked questions

Are 0345 numbers premium-rate?

No. They're charged at standard geographic rates and usually included in mobile and landline minute bundles.