The copper switch-off scam targeting UK landline users

15th April, 2026 | Home / Blog / Online security / The copper switch-off scam targeting UK landline users

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Across the UK, confusion is being exploited around the nationwide switch from copper landlines to fibre-optic networks. The process was supposed to be completed by the end of 2025, but the deadline has shifted to the end of 2027. Did you know this? Many don’t, which has opened the door for criminals who’ve been posing as telecom engineers and service agents to catch the unsuspecting.

According to some estimates, 16% of UK consumers were the victims of a phone scam in 2023, the average cost of which was £634 ($780). And with the plan here being to contact all customers four weeks in advance to check that they’re ready for the transition to digital landline services, it’s no wonder that this particular situation has created fertile ground for scammers.

The deadline was pushed back specifically to protect vulnerable customers, but the charter is having the opposite effect. In recent months, scam calls have targeted older and vulnerable individuals in particular, telling them to “pay now” to secure their digital landline before the deadline, or otherwise risk disconnection (a modern horror story).

What’s the copper switch-off plan?

You’ve probably heard bits and pieces of info on this whole copper switch-off deal, but what exactly is happening? Well, the UK’s traditional analogue telephone network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), has been running on copper cables that have been in use since 1876 and were designed only for telephone communication. After almost 150 years, these are being replaced with digital Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which run over fibre-optic broadband cables.

This national infrastructure upgrade is great – it promises better internet, clearer calls and future-proof connectivity. But, as we’ve said, it’s also been creating public confusion that scammers are using to exploit some of the UK’s more vulnerable residents.

In truth, though, the whole process is very simple. VoIP has been used since the 90s, and while standard PSTN and ISDN phone lines relied on copper cable networks, VoIP just requires you to have an internet connection and an IP phone. Further than that, don’t worry – providers will send written notices and instructions well before any change.

Tip: Find out more about the specifics of the copper switch-off plan here.

How are scammers operating?

Fraudsters rarely invent scams from scratch – they don’t need to. Instead, they closely follow major announcements from organisations that people trust like government departments, telecom providers and national infrastructure bodies. When a change like this is coming, scammers know that just about everybody will soon expect to be contacted about it.

That’s when the impersonation begins.

Criminals may spoof official-looking phone numbers, claim to represent well-known telecom providers, or use language lifted directly from genuine announcements. They often create a sense of urgency, like warning customers that they absolutely must act immediately to avoid losing their phone service.

The goal is simple: pressure people into making decisions before they have time to verify what they’re being told (which is why you should always verify).

Here’s the cheeky mix of tactics used to target people in this scam:

Cold calls claiming to be from BT, Openreach or other providers, saying you must pay or verify bank details immediately to secure/facilitate your digital switchover.
Threats of disconnection if payment is not made, despite there being no actual charge for the basic network transition.
Phishing emails or fake notices claiming to be from telecom companies or government agencies with links to malicious sites.
In some cases, scammers may visit in person, claiming to be there to “upgrade” equipment, then tell victims they owe money.

While anyone can fall victim to fraud, the copper switch-off scam is specifically targeting older people. While most of us “youngsters” have swapped landlines for smartphones, 62% of UK residents over 65 still have and use a landline. Some also rely on phone-connected telecare devices such as fall alarms or emergency alert systems.

Scammers know this. By suggesting that a person’s phone line, or even their life-supporting safety device, could stop working unless action is taken immediately, they create a situation that feels urgent and scary.

One local support service in Sefton recounted that several older users were called and pressured to provide bank details to ensure continued “service”, with scammers becoming hostile if challenged.

To protect the vulnerable, here’s what the experts recommend:

Never give bank or card details over a cold call – a genuine call will never ask for this.
Ask suspicious callers for a company name and phone number to call back, then search on Google to check if the number is legitimate.
If someone you care for uses telecare alarms or life-safety devices, confirm with their official provider before acting on any request.
Tell them to call you back after you’ve verified the information they’ve shared. A legitimate caller will be happy for you to do this.
Report scam calls and messages to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) and relevant consumer protection bodies.

Are all calls about the copper switch-off a scam?

No, not all calls about the copper switch-off are necessarily a scam. For example, a UK resident recently shared with Reddit that they got a legitimate call (later confirmed) from Sky where it was explained that her only option was to move to satellite broadband at an extra cost of £10 per month. She responded that she needed to look into it, and Sky said they’d call back in three months. This is a great example of how money-related calls might be received, but you should always hold your ground and never share financial information.

“The safest approach is always to verify independently,” an Airband spokesperson adds. “If you receive a call about the copper switch-off, hang up and contact your internet provider using the number on their official website or your bill. Taking that extra step can prevent a costly mistake.”

Where have we seen similar scams?

This copper switch-off scam is far from a first, unfortunately. And as the 2025 UK Finance Fraud Report put so well, fraud is “not a ‘victimless crime’. It causes severe harm to individuals, society, our economy, and our growth agenda. The damage caused by these crimes is greater than the financial losses, as the majority of fraud victims have their confidence ripped away and many report that their mental health has been damaged.” For our older residents, in particular, these scams are shocking, scary and sad.

But the financial loss, even if it’s not the only issue, is huge. In 2024, the total financial loss to fraud was £1.17 billion, which is about the same as previous years (shocking, we know). However, the number of cases rose by 12% from 2023 to 3.31 million. So more and more people are becoming victims of fraud, and even if they lost less money than the 2023 victims, the higher numbers are both troubling and sad.

Why major technology changes often trigger scams

Unfortunately, this whole copper switch-off situation fits a pattern that cybersecurity experts have seen many times before. Whenever a large-scale infrastructure change takes place, scammers move quickly to exploit the confusion.

Which just makes sense.

Major transitions create the perfect environment for fraud. People expect to receive official communications; they know something is changing, and they may not fully understand how the process works. That combination makes urgent calls, emails or messages from “providers” feel believable, even when they’re not.

We saw similar behaviour begin during the rollout of smart meters, when scammers contacted households claiming installations were mandatory and required upfront fees (and believe it or not, this is still going on today). During the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters impersonated health authorities offering fake vaccination appointments, test kits and COVID passports. In the end, there were over 10 Covid-related scams that UK Finance warned of, and they cost UK taxpayers £10.9 billion.

In each case, the tactic is the same: attach a scam to something real that people have already heard about, and preferably one that elicits some fear or urgency.

“Scammers rely on uncertainty and urgency,” an Airband connectivity expert adds. “The more people understand about the copper switch-off and how legitimate providers communicate, the harder it becomes for criminals to take advantage of the situation.”

So, if you have older relatives or neighbours who rely on their landline, take a few minutes to talk to them about these scams. A quick and simple warning can prevent a really stressful – and expensive – experience.