Toll-free numbers are paid for by the company that owns them. That explains both the convenience and the abuse.
How 8-800 works
800 is a code reserved for toll-free services in Russia. The call is charged to the number's owner, not to the person dialling. That is why banks, airlines, shops and support desks use it: nobody hesitates to call a free number.
Who typically calls you from 8-800
- Support and sales of large companies.
- Delivery and logistics services.
- Banks — but only for outgoing information, never to ask for a code.
- Telemarketing, including aggressive sales.
Why scammers like it too
An 800 number looks official and costs the caller nothing, so it lowers suspicion. But the code only says "the owner pays" — it says nothing about who the owner is. Voice phishing often runs through toll-free numbers registered to shell companies.
How to check the owner
Look up the full number in the directory: it shows the operator and the range. Then compare with the number published on the company's official site. If they differ, treat the call as unsolicited.
Rule of thumb
Never give a code, a card number or a password to someone who called you — regardless of the number they appear to be calling from.
See also: codes 800, 803, 804, 809, spoofed and hidden numbers.