In France, certain phone numbers generate costs well above a normal call. These special rate numbers, commonly called premium rate numbers, are regulated by ARCEP, which sets tariff ceilings and conditions of use. Knowing the at-risk prefixes lets you avoid surprise bills and counter the scams that exploit them.
Complete list of 08xx prefixes and their charges
- 0800–0805: freephone — free from any landline or mobile in metropolitan France.
- 0806–0809: free for the caller, cost borne by the called business.
- 0810–0811: Azur numbers — local call rate from a landline, included in most mobile plans.
- 0820–0821: Indigo numbers — shared rate, roughly €0.09–0.15/min above the standard rate.
- 0825–0826: increased shared rate — up to €0.15/min plus a possible connection charge.
- 0890–0893: surcharge numbers — connection charge plus significant per-minute cost.
- 0897–0898: heavily surcharged — up to €1.50 connection + €0.50/min.
- 0899: maximum authorised charge — up to €1.50 connection + €1.50/min. Avoid unless strictly necessary.
118xx directory services
Numbers starting with 118 are directory enquiry services with freely set tariffs — typically €3–8 per call with per-minute rates sometimes exceeding €3. A free internet search is always faster and cheaper. If you need a phone number, use a search engine instead.
How scammers exploit premium numbers
- One-ring scam: your phone rings once. If you call back, you reach a 0899 or international premium service.
- Fake voicemail SMS: a text asks you to call a 0897 or 0899 to hear an urgent message.
- Fake official service: scammers impersonate the CPAM, the tax authority or La Poste and give you a premium number to call back.
What to do if you are charged abusively?
Contact your carrier's customer service and request a detailed call breakdown. If a refund is refused, refer to the Médiateur des communications électroniques (mediateur-telecom.fr). Report the scam on Signal Conso (signalconso.gouv.fr) and always check any unknown 08 number on TelCheck before calling.