Scammers are increasingly impersonating well‑known companies to trick people into handing over personal information. One scam currently being reported involves criminals posing as BT and attempting to gain access to people’s email accounts through phone calls and follow‑up emails.
Understanding how these scams work and why they can be convincing can help you stay alert and protect your financial wellbeing.
What’s happening
In this scam, fraudsters contact people by phone claiming to be from BT’s technical team. They may say there is a fault with your landline or broadband connection that needs urgent attention. During the call, they may already know basic details such as your name or email address, which can make the contact feel legitimate. They then send an email that appears to come from BT and ask you to click a link or follow instructions to ‘fix’ the issue.
If you click the link or share information, such as a one‑time code or PIN sent to your email. the scammers can gain access to your email account. From there, they may attempt further fraud, including accessing other accounts linked to your email.
Why it can be hard to spot
Calls about technical issues can cause concern, especially if you rely on your phone or internet day to day. Scammers exploit this by creating a sense of urgency, encouraging people to act before they’ve had time to pause or check whether the request is genuine.
Emails sent during or shortly after the call may look official, using familiar branding or language. When a phone call and email appear to ‘line up’, it can feel reassuring - even when something isn’t quite right.
Red flags to watch for
While these scams can sound convincing, there are warning signs to look out for:
- an unexpected call claiming to be from BT about a fault or technical problem
- pressure to act quickly, or threats of disconnection if you don’t comply
- being asked to click a link in an email you weren’t expecting
- requests to share passwords, PINs or verification codes sent to your email inbox.
BT will not ask you to share security details or one‑time codes in this way.
How to protect yourself
A few simple steps can reduce your risk:
- Don’t click links or download attachments from emails you weren’t expecting.
- Never share passwords, PINs or verification codes with anyone over the phone.
- If you’re unsure, hang up and contact BT directly using the contact details on their official website - not a number given by the caller.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your email account and enable two‑factor authentication where possible.
If something feels rushed or unusual, it’s okay to pause and check.
What to do if you’re concerned
If you’re worried about a message or call claiming to be from BT, you can find guidance on how to report phishing and suspicious contact on BT’s website.
If you believe you may have shared information with a scammer, act quickly by changing your passwords and contacting your email provider and bank for advice.
Why this matters for your financial wellbeing
Scams don’t just affect finances; they can also impact confidence and peace of mind. Staying informed about common scams, and how they evolve, is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your future.
If you’re ever unsure, taking a moment to verify independently can make all the difference.
