You don’t have to be an EE customer to receive a message claiming to be from the company. Many people receive phone calls, emails, letters or texts that look like they’ve come from EE, when in reality, they’ve been sent by scammers posing as the provider.
So how can you tell a genuine message apart from a scam?
This guide covers the most common types of EE scams to watch out for, including fake discount offers, SIM swap fraud and misleading upgrade deals. We’ll also explain how to report an EE scam and what steps to take if you’ve already been affected, including when it may be worth seeking legal advice.
What Is an EE Scam?
An EE scam is any fraudulent activity where criminals pose as the mobile and broadband network EE to deceive people. Scammers often try to pressure you into making payments or handing over personal information, using stories like account problems, contract renewals, or exclusive time-limited deals.
It’s worth knowing this isn’t just an EE problem. Fraudsters regularly impersonate other providers too, like O2 or Vodafone, using similar tactics to steal money or sensitive details.
There are several types of EE scams to be aware of:
Cold calls: One of the most common methods. Scam callers pretend to be EE representatives and may ask you to “verify” your identity by sharing security details, one-time passcodes, or account information.
Emails: Fraudulent emails often closely mimic EE’s branding. They typically contain suspicious links or attachments that, when clicked, can install harmful software on your device or take you to a fake website designed to steal your personal or financial information.
Letters: Some scams involve letters claiming to be from EE, warning of unpaid bills, account issues, or upgrade eligibility. These letters usually create a sense of urgency and ask you to share personal details or make immediate payments.
Text messages (smishing): EE scam texts may suggest there’s unusual activity on your account, or prompt you to click a link or call a number urgently. These links often lead to fake EE websites or trigger malicious software downloads.
Fake websites: Imitation websites can look convincing, using EE’s logos, layouts and branding. Their purpose is to trick you into entering login details, bank information or other sensitive data.
SIM swap scams: This happens when a fraudster collects enough of your personal data to convince EE to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control. It’s a type of account takeover scam, and can be used to intercept banking verification codes sent to your number.
FluBot scam texts: This widespread scam uses texts posing as delivery or parcel tracking notifications. Clicking the link installs malware on your device, allowing scammers to access your data and send further scam messages to your contacts.
Fake upgrade offers: Scammers may contact you claiming you’re eligible for a heavily discounted handset or exclusive upgrade deal. These offers are designed to get you to pay upfront fees or share your banking details.
Direct debit change scams: Some fraudsters claim there’s been a problem with your payment method and ask you to set up a new direct debit – redirecting your payments straight to them.
What Are the UK Laws on EE Scams?
If you’ve been targeted, it helps to know that the law is firmly on your side.
EE scams are serious criminal offences under the Fraud Act 2006. Scammers who pretend to be EE, with the aim of tricking you into sharing login details, payment information or one-time passcodes, can be charged with fraud by false representation.
Some EE scams may also fall under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, particularly where fake websites are used to capture your details or install malware. In cases like SIM swap scams – where a fraudster takes control of your mobile number to intercept banking codes – the Data Protection Act 2018 may also apply due to unlawful access to personal data.
Penalties for those found guilty can be severe, including up to 10 years in prison, significant fines and having their assets seized. However, recovering lost money can be challenging on your own, which is why many victims turn to fraud recovery specialists like CEL Solicitors for support.
How to Spot an EE Scam
Scammers are often clever and can make their messages look very convincing – mimicking EE’s branding, tone and layout as closely as possible. That said, there are usually tell-tale signs that give them away.
Common Signs of an EE Scam
Urgent or threatening language: Phrases like “your account will be suspended” or demands for immediate payment are designed to make you panic and act quickly without thinking. Genuine companies won’t pressure you like this.
Poor grammar and spelling: Look out for unusual phrasing, typos or a tone that doesn’t feel like something EE would send – whether that’s overly casual, aggressive, or just a little off.
Mismatched branding: Check logos, colours and formatting against official EE communications. Scam messages may look slightly unprofessional or inconsistent.
Suspicious sender addresses: Inspect the sender’s email address closely. Even small variations – like an extra letter or a different domain – are a sign it’s not genuine. Bear in mind that some spoofed addresses can look very convincing, so don’t rely on this alone.
Suspicious links: Be very careful about clicking any links in messages claiming to be from EE. Fake EE websites are designed to steal your data, and can sometimes be accessed through links in texts or emails.
Generic greetings: If a message starts with “Dear Customer” rather than your name, this can be a sign that the sender doesn’t know who you are – a common feature of scam messages sent in bulk.
Flagged phone numbers: If you’ve received a call you’re unsure about, search the number online. Many scam numbers have already been reported by other people and may appear as flagged on dedicated reporting sites.
What Is EE Scam Guard?
EE offers an optional add-on called Scam Guard, which uses AI to help protect you against fraud. It monitors your calls, data and online activity to detect and block potential scam attempts before they reach you.
It’s worth considering as an extra layer of protection – particularly if you’ve been targeted before or feel concerned about the rising number of EE-related scams. You can find out more about Scam Guard directly through EE’s website.
How to Report an EE Scam
If you think you’ve been targeted by an EE scam – whether by call, text, email or letter – the most important thing you can do is report it. Here’s how:
Scam texts: Forward any suspicious texts to 7726 (which spells SPAM on your keypad). This is free, and helps EE investigate the number and potentially block it.
Scam emails: Send the suspicious email to [email protected] so EE can investigate.
Government reporting: You should also notify the relevant authorities. Report suspicious emails to [email protected], where the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate. If you’re in England or Wales, report the scam to Report Fraud – the UK’s national centre for reporting cybercrime and fraud. You’ll receive a police crime reference number, which may be needed for any recovery or legal claim later.
Your bank: If you’ve shared any banking information, contact your bank immediately. They can flag your account, monitor for suspicious activity and issue new card details if needed.
Your email provider: If the scam arrived by email, report and flag it as phishing with your email provider – whether that’s Gmail, Outlook or another service.
It’s also a good idea to protect your devices straight away:
- Run an anti-virus and anti-malware programme on your computer or device
- Clear the cookies in your browser
- Reset the password on your email account
I’ve Fallen Victim to an EE Scam – What Should I Do?
We know this can feel overwhelming. Whether it happened through a fake call, a fraudulent text, an account takeover or a suspicious email – here’s what to do, step by step.
1. Document Everything
Start by gathering as much evidence as you can. Take screenshots of any emails, texts or messages, note down phone numbers, email addresses, links and any suspicious attachments. If you shared any personal or financial information, make a note of exactly what you shared and when.
The more evidence you have, the stronger any future claim or investigation will be.
2. Secure Your Accounts
Check any accounts that may have been compromised and look for activity you don’t recognise. If you shared banking details, contact your bank directly as soon as possible. They can place a security flag on your account, keep an eye out for unusual transactions and issue you with new account details if necessary.
3. Report the Scam
Before making any legal claim, you’ll need to report the scam to the relevant parties. This includes EE, Action Fraud, your bank and your email provider – all covered in the section above. Reporting isn’t just important for your own claim; it also helps prevent other people from being targeted in the same way.
How to Make an EE Scam Claim
Once you’ve documented the scam, secured your accounts and reported it to the right people, you may be able to recover the money you’ve lost. At CEL Solicitors, we pursue two main routes depending on your circumstances.
Claiming against your bank
In many cases, your bank has a legal responsibility to protect you from fraud and to reimburse you when things go wrong. If your bank failed to flag suspicious activity, warn you before a payment went through, or reimburse you after the fact, you may have grounds for a complaint.
CEL Solicitors can take that complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on your behalf. The FOS is an independent body that investigates disputes between consumers and financial institutions, and can order your bank to pay you back where it finds in your favour.
This route is available even if the scammer themselves has never been identified, which is often the case. You don’t need to find the fraudster to make a successful claim.
Where the scammer can be identified
If the person behind the scam can be traced and is based in the UK, there may be grounds to take direct legal action against them. In those cases, we refer clients to our partner firm Watson Woodhouse, who specialise in bringing criminal claims against fraudsters.
Our team will assess your situation from the outset and make sure you’re pointed in the right direction from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About EE Scams
Is EE Scam Guard worth it?
EE Scam Guard can be a worthwhile investment if you’re concerned about scam calls and messages. It uses AI to monitor and block potential threats, adding a layer of protection that goes beyond standard network security. Whether it’s right for you will depend on your individual circumstances – EE’s website has the most up-to-date information on pricing and features.
What should I do if I receive an EE scam call?
Don’t share any personal information, account details or one-time passcodes. Hang up and note the number. You can report the call to EE and to Action Fraud. If you’ve already shared sensitive information, contact your bank and follow the steps in our guide above.
How do I report scam texts to EE?
Forward any suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). This is a free service that allows EE to investigate and block the number where possible.
Can I get my money back after an EE scam?
In some cases, yes. If you’ve suffered a financial loss, you may be able to recover money through a civil claim or through your bank, depending on how the payment was made. CEL Solicitors specialise in fraud recovery and can advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
Choose CEL Solicitors for EE Scam Claims
At CEL Solicitors, we understand how difficult it can be to fall victim to an EE scam – both emotionally and financially. You deserve a network you can trust, and being scammed puts everything into question. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our expert team specialises in fraud and scam recovery, with a strong track record of recovering millions of pounds for clients across England and Wales.
We work on a No-Win, No-Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront. You’ll get the specialist legal help you deserve without any financial risk.
Your first consultation is completely free. We’ll listen carefully, review your situation and give you clear, honest advice on your next steps.
Ready to make your EE scam claim? Call our team today on 0151 909 8212 or enquire online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We listen, we care, we win.
