EE mobile alert as customers told to pay ‘£4.27’ | UK | News
An urgent warning has been sent to EE mobile network users about a fake ‘payment reminder’ message. EE Limited, formerly known as Everything Everywhere Limited, is a UK-based mobile network operator and internet service provider.
The firm operates as part of BT Consumer, a division of BT Group. Founded in 2010, the company has become the UK’s third largest mobile network operator, with 21.2 million customers. Given its large customer base, people are warned of emails that appear to be from ‘EE’.
Norfolk Trading Standards EE has issued a new alert warning its customers about the wave of suspicious emails currently circulating. These emails appear to be a ‘Payment Reminder’ claiming that ‘your last bill payment has not been paid in full and an outstanding balance of £4.27 remains on your account’.
The email states that payment must be made via an embedded link ‘to prevent any potential service interruption’. According to reports, these emails are completely fraudulent and anyone who clicks on the link will be redirected to a fake EE website, which will try to steal personal, account and financial information or install malware on their devices. Wales Online.
The organization warns: “Criminals sending these emails often use small amounts as the figure to be paid, as they think people will be more likely to pay to avoid problems with their service, but will question requests for larger amounts.
“Our advice is to always be wary of claims made through unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments when approached in this way. It is highly likely that versions of this email are in circulation claiming different outstanding amounts.”
If you have any doubts about the security of your online account, always access it directly through the official website or app. Alternatively, contact your service provider’s customer support team using a number obtained from a recent invoice, official website or app. Never use the contact information contained in these emails.
Any suspicious emails can be reported by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk. Scams can also be reported via our partners Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.
Phishing, vishing, and smishing are deceptive methods used to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers through emails, letters, phone calls, or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate company. Vishing refers to scams carried out over the phone, while smishing includes scams carried out via SMS or text message.
The EE website offers guidance on spotting scams and the correct steps to take. EE says: “We will never ask you for your PIN or password via SMS or email.”
He also advises: “Don’t click on links unless you’re 100% sure they’re real. Take a moment to think about it and trust your instincts.”
“If it seems too good to be true or suspicious, there’s probably something wrong. Don’t give out your personal information or give anyone access to your computer or mobile phone. If you think you’ve given away your bank account information, contact your bank immediately.”
If you suspect you’ve received a fraudulent message, EE has outlined a series of steps customers should follow:
