Scams compared
Real against fake, with the test that separates them.
Photo from a free stock library — illustration only.Genuine
Real offers and real changes.
- Appear inside your account
- Arrive in writing for contractual changes
- Can always wait five minutes
- Never need a one-time code
Fraudulent
The current catalogue of approaches.
- Urgency and exclusivity
- Merger “migration” claims
- Small release fees
- Requests for codes
Open the app. If the offer is not inside your account, the call is fraudulent — regardless of caller ID and regardless of how much they seem to know about you.
Not sure which side of a comparison you fall on?
Ask us. We are independent — nothing for sale, no access to your account, and we will never ask you for a security code. We will read an offer with you, explain a clause, or talk a switch through.
Call 020 3896 5248WhatsApp usFree by rule
Services that never carry a charge on any UK network.
- PAC and STAC codes
- eSIM issue and transfer
- Spend caps
- O2's satellite messaging trials
Invented fees
Charges constructed around those same services.
- “Transfer service”
- “Activation fee”
- “Migration charge”
- Parcel release fees
The fee itself is the tell. If money is being asked for something that is free by regulation, the approach is fraudulent — no further judgement required.
Three habits that close most schemes
SIM-swap, and what to do after a loss
A handset that loses service without explanation and does not recover may indicate the number has been moved to another device to intercept banking codes. Ring the operator's fraud line immediately from a different telephone — speed materially changes the outcome.