Vulnerable residents that use healthcare telephony devices are being scammed into giving their personal information away, including bank details, according to the Local Government Association. These devices are used by approximately 1.8 million people around the country and are currently in the process of being switched from analogue to digital, a process that is free.
In the latest incident, a resident who had an installation appointment booked received a call from an unfamiliar number. The caller claimed they were arranging her ‘install’ and asked for various details. The caller refused to confirm the company name, and thankfully the service user did not share any information. The number has since been checked online and flagged as a scam.
If anyone receives a call about an installation or appointment and the caller won’t confirm who they are from, or asks for personal information – including financial information such as bank details – in a way that feels unexpected, pressured, or unclear, they should end the call, and contact their provider.
Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “It seems that criminals are trying to take advantage of the digital switchover to trick vulnerable residents into giving out personal information such as their bank details. As the digital switchover continues, it is likely that further cases will arise.
“The digital switchover is free of charge and residents should be aware that councils and their home care alarm providers or contractors will never ask for personal or financial information over the phone.
“Please be vigilant to these sorts of scams, and please report any concerns you may have to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.”
Since 2023, most telephone providers have been moving their customers from old analogue landlines over to new upgraded landline services using digital technology, meaning services that rely on the old landline system such as home phones and healthcare devices will need to be switched over.
For most consumers and businesses, this change will be straightforward. Many customers have already made the switch when they upgrade to full fibre broadband, while telecoms providers are contacting customers to make the switchover. For most customers, the upgrade is expected to be complete by early 2027.
For more information, please visit GOV.UK | Guidance | UK transition from analogue to digital landlines.
