Subject: Digital Switchover Scam Warning
From: Suffolk Trading Standards <tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk>
Date: 25/04/2025, 13:58
To: <webmaster@snapevillage.info>
Beware of scammers exploiting the UK's landline digital switchover by impersonating BT or other providers, urging people to pay for upgrades or provide personal information.
Victims across the Country have report receiving cold calls demanding payment or personal details under the guise of upgrading their landline service to "Digital Voice." Criminals may use phishing emails, fake websites or phone calls to trick residents into providing personal information, such as bank account details or passwords. This information can then be used to steal money or commit identity theft.
Fraudsters warn victims they’ll lose their landline or internet connection if they don’t act immediately. Victims are told to pay fees on the spot or face disconnection. Even people without landlines have received similar fraudulent calls on their mobiles.
The original 2025 deadline for the upgrade
has been extended to 2027.
Your landline provider will notify you in writing
about any changes and will offer support if needed.
No fees or payment verification are required
for the switch.
If you’ve been scammed, contact your Bank immediately to report the incident, to secure your accounts and explore potential refunds. Report the scam to Action Fraud at ☏ 0300 123 2040.
Our Community Engagement Officer, Sasha, spoke to Wayne Bavin on BBC Radio Suffolk this week to warn of the risk of digital switchover scammers and how to spot them. Listen back to her top tips at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002b0f0 — the news item starts at 2h07m30s for 5 1/2 minutes. The recording is available for the next four weeks.
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[Fortunately, it can be easy to keep yourself safe. You can read several previous blogs about various scams, all on (or via) this website.
You can also "Sign up to receive a weekly Consumer Champions email alert" from Suffolk Trading Standards each Thursday, if you follow the link at https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/become-a-consumer-champion/. This offers very useful and up-to-date advice.]
Don't have nightmares, do sleep well!