EE mobile network customers have been issued an urgent warning regarding a fraudulent 'payment reminder' message. EE Limited, formerly known as Everything Everywhere Limited, is a mobile network operator and internet service provider headquartered in the UK. The company operates as part of BT Consumer, a division of BT Group. Established in 2010, it has expanded to become the UK's third-largest mobile network operator, boasting 21.2 million customers.
Fraudulent Emails in Circulation
Norfolk Trading Standards has issued a fresh alert warning EE customers about a series of suspicious emails currently in circulation. These emails claim to be a 'Payment Reminder' stating that 'your last bill payment was not settled in full and there remains an outstanding balance of £4.27 on your account'. The email further instructs that 'to avoid any potential service interruption' payment must be completed via an embedded link. These emails are entirely fraudulent, and anybody who clicks the link will be redirected to a counterfeit EE website, which will attempt to harvest personal, account and financial information or install malware onto their device.
Why Scammers Target Small Amounts
The organisation warns: "The criminals sending these emails often use small amounts as the figure to be paid as they believe people are more likely to make payment to avoid issues with their service but would question requests for larger amounts." Norfolk Trading Standards advises: "Our advice is always to be wary of claims made in unexpected email approaches and never click on links or open attachments if approached in this way. It is highly likely that versions of this email will be circulating claiming different outstanding amounts."
How to Stay Safe
Should you have any concerns about the security of your online account, always log in directly via the official website or app. Alternatively, get in touch with your service provider's customer support team using a number from a recent bill, their official website, or the app. Never use contact numbers contained within these emails. Any suspicious emails can be reported by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk. Scams can also be reported via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.
EE's Official Guidance
The EE website provides guidance on identifying scams and the appropriate steps to take. EE states: "We'll never ask you for your PIN or password by text or email." It further advises: "Don't click on links unless you're 100% sure they are genuine. Take a moment to stop and think and trust your instincts. If it looks too good to be true or looks suspicious, there's probably a catch. Don't give away any of your personal details or give anyone access to your computer or mobile – if you think you might have provided your bank account details, contact your bank immediately."
Steps to Take if You Receive a Suspicious Message
If you think you've received something suspicious, EE has listed several steps customers should take: report scam calls directly to EE – your report is sent to their partner Hiya, who will use your feedback to improve call protection; forward a text message (including phone number or company name) to 7726, free of charge, so your mobile phone provider can investigate; for emails, forward the message to report@phishing.gov.uk – the UK's National Cyber Security Team will then analyse it and, if it is identified as suspicious, attempt to take them down; forward any phishing emails referring to EE to phishing@ee.co.uk; delete messages after reporting them; and make others aware of these types of messages, so they are also in the know.
