By 2027 our phones are getting plugged into our Internet routers instead of the phone wall socket. This is known as the Digital Switch over.

Criminals are already targeting people who have telecare devices. These devices include fall alarm bracelets. The devices are linked to an Alarm Response Center through a phone line. They claim that because of the Digital Switchover, their current equipment will no longer work. They insist that people must upgrade to new equipment.

A lot of these scams are just a ploy to get banking details and to steal money, but some are selling non-approved, faulty equipment that won’t work in an emergency

Protect yourself

• If you have one of these devices, contact the company that originally provided it. You can also reach out to the local authority. Ask them about the digital switchover. Find out if the current system will continue to work.
• If you are called out of the blue, verify the information, using a trusted source or by visiting the TSA website (www.tsa-voice.org.uk) to check if the company is registered with them.
• If you are being bombarded with scam and nuisance calls, consider the use of call blocking technology. Your phone provider may be able to provide this type of technology, and some are free. Be sure to use a product that will work on the new digital phone system.

QR code scams

QR code scams are increasing as criminals exploit the technology.

A Quick Response (QR) code is a digital code. It directs the consumer to a new web page or app using a mobile phone camera.

QR codes get scanned in places like car parks and restaurants taking people directly to a payment screen or menu. This makes it easier for customers to access the services they need.

If you scan this QR code, it will take you through to the Friends Against Scams website.

Criminals have been creating their own QR codes and sticking them over official ones in car parks. This causes drivers to use the wrong QR code. It directs them to the criminals’ payment page to ‘pay’ for their parking. Not only are the victims being scammed but they are also not buying a legitimate ticket. This means they are also at risk of receiving parking tickets for unpaid parking.

Protect yourself

• Check the QR code you are scanning for evidence of tampering, if it looks suspicious, don’t scan it.
• Sometimes people are asked to download a QR code scanner onto their smartphone. These apps have also been linked to scams. Most smart phone cameras have the QR code scanning facility. You should always use your phone camera to scan them.
• When you scan a QR code, the link should appear. You can press on it to go to the website or payment page. Check it before clicking on the link, does the link look right?

ReportFraud accepts reports for scams and fraudulent transactions.

Friends against Scams offers a free short (15min) scams awareness course. This course can help you protect yourself and loved ones from scams. Anyone completing this session becomes a Friend. So far, over 1,100,000 people have completed this training, helping to take a stand against scams. You can complete the training here.