Security Stop-Press: Scammers Exploiting Landline Switchover to Steal Payments

Consumer champion Which? has warned that telephone fraudsters posing as BT are exploiting the UK’s digital landline switchover, tricking consumers into sharing payment details under false threats of disconnection.

Which? says the scam callers have been telling victims the switchover requires immediate payments or confirmation of financial details, using the now-defunct January 2025 deadline to create urgency. Victims report receiving calls where they are being pressured with threats of service termination. Which? also reports that the scammers have targeted both landline and mobile users and are often armed with personal details to appear credible.

BT has confirmed that the switchover to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) involves no charges, and customers will only be contacted via official channels. Legitimate providers will never request payment information for this process.

To avoid falling victim, the advice is to never share personal or payment information during unsolicited calls, verify any claims directly with your provider, and use call-blocking services. Businesses can educate employees, implement secure protocols, and promptly report scams to Action Fraud to help combat these threats.