We’re seeing an increase in scams where criminals impersonate well-known companies to gain access to personal information.
One example currently being reported involves fraudsters posing as BT, contacting people by phone and following up with emails designed to look genuine.
It’s a good reminder that scams are becoming more sophisticated and often rely on catching people off guard.
What’s happening
In this scam, you may receive a call from someone claiming to be from BT’s technical team.
They might say there’s a fault with your landline or broadband that needs urgent attention. In some cases, they already have basic details such as your name or email address, which can make the call feel legitimate.
During or shortly after the call, you’ll receive an email that appears to be from BT. You may be asked to click a link or follow instructions to “fix” the issue.
If you do, or if you share information such as a one-time code sent to your email, the fraudster may gain access to your account.
From there, they can attempt to access other accounts linked to your email.
Why it feels convincing
These scams are designed to feel real.
A technical fault is something most people want to resolve quickly, especially if you rely on your phone or internet day to day. Fraudsters use this urgency to push for quick decisions.
When a phone call is followed by an email that appears to match the story, it can feel reassuring, even when something isn’t quite right.
Red flags to watch for
While these scams can be persuasive, there are some clear warning signs:
- An unexpected call about a fault or technical issue
- Pressure to act quickly or threats of disconnection
- Being asked to click a link in an email you weren’t expecting
- Requests for passwords, PINs or verification codes
It’s worth remembering: legitimate organisations like BT will not ask for sensitive security details in this way.
How to protect yourself
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Don’t click links or download attachments from unexpected emails
- Never share passwords, PINs or verification codes over the phone
- If in doubt, hang up and contact the company directly using their official website
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible
- If something feels rushed, take a moment to pause and check
What to do if you’re concerned
If you think a call or message may not be genuine, it’s always best to stop and verify.
If you believe you may have shared information with a scammer, act quickly:
- Change your passwords
- Contact your email provider
- Speak to your bank for further guidance
You can also report suspicious activity via official channels such as Action Fraud.
