05/05/2026
Please read: 🚨🚨Scam Alert🚨🚨
⚠️ Scam warning ⚠️
☎️ Across the UK landline phone services are changing and scammers are looking to exploit this.
You may have heard about the PSTN switch-off, but if you haven’t let us give you the lowdown....
Traditionally, landline phones used underground copper wires as part of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to enable communication. However, that technology has become unreliable and harder to maintain so it’s being replaced with digital phone services that use an internet connection to provide service. This change is being led by the telecommunications industry and is happening nationwide. It’s expected to be complete by January 2027. For more information about the PSTN switch-off, visit our website (you can find a link in the first comment) ⬇️
‼️ Our Trading Standards team is warning residents and businesses that fraudsters are using the approaching PSTN switch-off as an opportunity to target landline users. Posing as telecom providers, the scammers tell landline users that they must “pay now” to secure their phone line ahead of the deadline, or risk being disconnected.
While some customers may receive a genuine call from their telecom provider about the upcoming switch, it’s important to remember that your phone or broadband provider will never pressure you to make immediate decisions or threaten that you will lose your service if you don’t act quickly. If you are unsure, hang up and contact your provider directly using a trusted number from their public facing website or your latest bill.
⛔ Never allow unexpected callers to access your home or equipment.
Finally, if you think you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as Action Fraud).
