I just received an incoming call from an unknown number who claimed to be Carphone Warehouse. The caller knew my name and asked to speak to me about upgrading my phone, but I told him I'm not due an upgrade. He then said that I purchased my phone in May, which I told him was incorrect, and told him when my contract does in fact expire. As soon as I said this he hung up. He knew my phone number my name and the fact that I am with EE. I've been with EE for many many years, and only ever dealt with EE directly for my phones and contracts. I'm wondering if this is some sort of scam to get this information out of me for some reason.
After receiving the call I did my research and found out the call is a widespread scam and the fraudsters are constantly changing tactics. Pre-Covid they were calling from the UK via spoofed numbers, they are now active again but from call centers abroad. They claim to be calling from Carphone Warehouse, Fone City, Phone World, Smartphone Ltd, and other real and fake company names.
They offer very cheap deals even claiming they'll pay off your old contract so you can keep your number. Then use the details you give them to order multiple phone contracts in your name for different, high-end phones. They track the orders by using their own email addresses and then call once delivered to claim they made a mistake and you have someone else's order.
They give addresses to send back the phones via your local Post Office, then wait at these addresses for your package(s) to arrive and steal the phones. This leaves victims with multiple, expensive 24-month contracts in their name as well as damaged credit scores.
If you've been a victim or have information about this scam, please share your experience or information by leaving a comment below.