Telephone Switchover Scams in the UK: All You Need To Know To Stay Safe

As the UK prepares for the digital phone switchover, millions of households and businesses are moving from traditional landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. This transition offers numerous benefits, such as improved call quality and more advanced features. However, it also gives scammers a chance to exploit unsuspecting individuals through "telephone switchover scams."

Understanding the Digital Phone Switchover

The digital phone switchover marks the end of the traditional telephone network in the UK, with all phone services moving from the analog copper wire network to an internet-based system. This change is part of a broader initiative to modernize the UK's telecommunications infrastructure.

The transition, while generally straightforward, requires users to update their equipment and, potentially, their internet connections. The switch to digital also creates some confusion among residents, and scammers are busy preying on individuals who may not be fully informed about the switchover process.

In a real-life case recently reported by the BBC, scammers targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals up to three times a day claiming that their telephones won’t be compatible with internet-based connections and that they would need to pay a fee. Other previously reported cases involved fraudsters contacting citizens using healthcare devices reliant on landlines, and falsely claiming that they needed to provide bank details or risk being disconnected.

How Telephone Switchover Scams Work

Telephone switchover scams typically involve scammers posing as representatives from legitimate telecommunication companies, offering to help with the transition to digital services.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Cold Calls: Scammers impersonating your telephone provider may call you and insist on taking immediate action to finalize the switchover by providing personal information, bank details or making payments.
• Phishing Emails: You may receive phishing emails that appear to come from a legitimate telecom company. These unsolicited emails, although they may look legitimate, usually contain links that direct to phony websites to harvest your information or install malware onto your device.
• Doorstep Scams: In some cases, scammers may visit your home or business, claiming to be technicians who need access to your home or office to complete the switchover. They might ask for payment upfront or try to gain entry to the property for other malicious purposes.

How To Protect Against Telephone Switchover Scams

To avoid falling victim to telephone switchover scams, it's crucial to stay informed and vigilant. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

1. Always verify the source: If you receive a call, email or visit from someone claiming to be from your telecom provider, take the time to verify their identity. Use official contact numbers or visit the provider's website directly to confirm any claims. You should always stay updated on the phone switchover process from official government platforms and your telecom provider.
2. Don’t fall for pressure tactics: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Take your time to look over any paperwork and investigate claims while keeping in mind that legitimate companies will never rush you into making decisions on the spot.
3. Don’t share personal information: Never give personal or financial information to individuals who contact you out of the blue. If you receive any calls asking you to make payments or provide sensitive information, hang up and get in touch with your provider.
4. Report suspicious activity: If you suspect scam behavior, report it to your telecom provider, local authorities, family, and friends.  This can help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes. You can also contact Action Fraud to submit any scam phone calls via 0300 123 2040.
5. Stay Informed:  Keep updated on the digital phone switchover process through reliable sources, such as official government websites or your telecom provider’s official communications.

Use dedicated scam tools: If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, or a website looks suspicious, check it with Scamio, our AI-powered scam detection service. Send any texts, messages, links, QR codes, or images to Scamio, which will analyze them to determine if they are part of a scam. Scamio is free and available on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and your web browser. You can also help others stay safe by sharing Scamio with them in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, Australia, and the UK.