Fake Broadband Engineer Scam
Medium RiskGot a message, call or offer like this?
Take your time. Treat it as a scam until you have checked it yourself.
- Don't tap links, reply, or ring numbers it gives you. On a call, hang up.
- Don't pay, and don't share card details, PINs, passwords or codes.
- Check with whoever it claims to be, using contact details you find yourself.
Overview
Scammers pose as broadband engineers or service providers - either by calling to your home or contacting you by SMS/email - offering to "upgrade" your connection or fix a fault. The goal is to gain access to your home, router, or personal data.
Typical Targets
- •Homeowners, especially in rural areas
- •Older adults living alone
- •People experiencing actual broadband issues
- •Anyone unfamiliar with their provider's procedures
Why This Scam Works
- •Engineers visiting homes is normal for broadband issues
- •Scammers wear convincing uniforms
- •Claims of "free upgrades" are appealing
- •People trust service providers
Example
A man claiming to be from Eir called to a house in Meath offering a "free router upgrade". Once inside, he accessed the homeowner's laptop "to test the connection" and installed remote access software. Days later, €3,200 was transferred from the victim's online banking.
* An illustration of how this scam works, not from a victim case we hold.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Verify any engineer visit by calling your provider's official number
- Legitimate engineers have ID – check it carefully
- Never let anyone access your devices for "testing"
- Be suspicious of unsolicited offers of upgrades
- If in doubt, don't let them in and call your provider
- Eir, Vodafone, Sky etc. will confirm scheduled visits
If You've Been Caught Out
Don't panic – take these steps immediately:
- 1Contact your bank immediately if they accessed your device
- 2Change your Wi-Fi password and router admin password
- 3Run antivirus scans on all devices
- 4Report to An Garda Síochána with descriptions
- 5Contact your actual broadband provider
- 6Check your online accounts for suspicious activity
* This information is for guidance only. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
Who to Contact for Help
Eir
1901
Verify visits
Vodafone
1907
Verify visits
An Garda Síochána
Local stationReport it at your local Garda station. If the fake engineer is still at your home, ring 999 or 112
Your Bank
Check your card
If finances compromised
New scams, as they appear
New scam warnings and safety tips, as we publish them.