Dear <<First Name>>

BT Direct Debit email scam (as advised by Which?)
BT is being impersonated by scammers in an email that asks you to change your direct debit details.
As fraudulent emails go, this is a convincing one. It includes BT’s branding, logo and even BT’s customer service phone number. But the link behind the button directs you to a fake website. If you receive a message out of the blue about payment details, please always check with your provider directly before you click.
 
The email begins with ‘Avoid missing payments’ to get your attention. It then goes on to say ‘We wanted to let you know that your Direct Debit with us is no longer active. This means you don't currently have an automatic payment method set up to deal with your bills.' Underneath this statement there’s a link that directs you to a fake website to set up a new direct debit - this is where your personal and financial details will be taken, so don’t click on this. Extra pressure is added with the threat of being ‘charged a late payment fee’ if you don’t click on the link.

How to spot fake emails
Checking the small details is the only way to spot a scam email. In this email, the recipient was able to tell it was fraudulent due to the account number being wrong. Another giveaway is the email of the sender [info44269@internetbillingsystem.com]. This email address doesn’t belong to BT, and it’s unlikely to belong to legitimate businesses either. The email also includes some odd wording towards the end, which is a big red flag. It says: ‘Next bill due soon? Please pay another way. Just to note, if your next bill is due before the new Direct Debit is set up, you'll need to pay using the My Vodafone app or by calling 56677 free from your Vodafone mobile.’ An email claiming to be from BT with details of how to pay your bill via Vodafone is a clear giveaway. The recipient of this fake email also didn’t have an account with Vodafone, which helped verify that this was a scam. If you receive an email like this and you think it could be genuine, you should visit the company’s genuine website and check your online account, as any issues with your direct debit should be communicated there. If you’re still unsure, phone your account provider using a customer number taken from its website and verify the details with them.