The current catalogue
| The 'upgrades team' call | 'Exclusive deal, today only.' Open the app: real offers show inside the account. Not there = fraud. |
| Merger migration | 'Your plan must move because of VodafoneThree.' No such process exists; real changes arrive in writing. |
| Parcel / redelivery texts | A small 'fee' link harvesting your card. Track parcels only in the courier's own app. |
| Satellite activation fee | Rides the real O2 trials — which are network-run and free. |
| Paid PAC / eSIM-transfer 'services' | These are free by regulation; the charge IS the tell. |
| SIM-swap | Phone dead for no reason? Someone may have ported your number — ring the network's fraud line from another phone immediately. |
The three standing defences
The five-second check— offers live in the app; callers describing invisible deals are frauds.
Codes to nobody— no genuine agent ever needs a one-time code read aloud.
Report as reflex— forward scam texts to 7726 (free); report losses to Action Fraud.
If money already moved
Bank fraud line first— speed matters most.
Network fraud team second— secure the account and the number.
Action Fraud third— the crime reference banks and insurers ask for.
Keep everything— texts, numbers, timestamps.