When you’re using the UK's best network, we're working to keep you safe while you stay connected – blocking millions of scams before they reach you, so you can shop, stream and celebrate worry-free. But a little digital etiquette goes a long way, too.
That's why EE, straight-talking legend Grime Gran, and Debrett's – the UK's leading etiquette experts for over 250 years – have teamed up with one simple message:
In 2026, good manners mean being firmly but kindly suspicious.
Be courteous, not compliant, with unexpected calls
Fraudsters often call out of the blue, claiming to be from “your service provider”, a bank or a delivery company. They might sound professional, then start asking you to move money, share codes, or give them access to your device. A polite person listens – and that’s exactly what they rely on.
Remember, you’re always in charge of the call. If you weren’t expecting it, or something feels off, it is perfectly fine to say thank you and hang up. Then call the company back on a trusted number – from your bill, banking app, or, if you want to speak to EE, by dialling 150 from your EE mobile. You can also call 159 to be safely connected to your preferred bank.
Help your loved ones save those real numbers in their contacts, and text suspicious ones to 7726 for free, before blocking them.
Need to know
“If a call’s making your tummy flip, it’s officially OK to just say ‘no thanks, love’, and hang up. You don’t owe a scammer any more time or manners.”
Margie Keefe, AKA Grime Gran
Practise the polite pause: take a moment before speaking, clicking or replying
Many scams start with a realistic-looking text, email or DM about a delivery, a bill or a security check. Just receiving a dodgy message won’t harm you – the risk starts when you reply, click a link or call back.
Pause, take a breath, and think before you react. Never click a link unless you’re 100% sure it’s genuine. Check for signs such as mismatched details, formatting, or spelling errors. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is…
Why not tell your family and friends about examples of phishing emails or texts you’ve received? Learning the tell-tale signs together is a great way to stay safe.
Need to know
“It is entirely reasonable to treat unexpected texts, links and direct messages just as you would an unannounced caller at the front door. It is quite appropriate to proceed with caution until you are sure that they are who they say they are.”
Rupert Wesson, Director, Head of Heritage and Etiquette Coach, Debrett’s
Good manners mean keeping your details private
Fraudsters try to trick you into handing over logins that let them take over accounts, intercept new devices or divert calls. Good digital manners mean drawing a clear line and keeping private details private.
At EE, we'll never ask you for your PIN or password by text or email. These details, verification codes and even your mobile number are private. Treat them like your front door or car keys – never share them with a stranger.
Check in with loved ones to make sure they’re using strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Need to know
“Some rando asking for your password or PIN? Do me a favour. Tell ‘em you never share security details by phone or text, and you’ll call them back if they are who they say they are... Private means private.”
Margie
A lady or gentleman is never rushed – there’s always time to check with family or friends
Scammers love to create panic and a false sense of urgency: “do this immediately”, “your account will be closed”, “don’t talk to anyone about this” … That sense of urgency is a classic warning sign.
In reality, you almost always have enough time to check with someone you trust.
Consider agreeing on a simple rule at home, such as no one sends money without double-checking with someone else first.
Need to know
“The classic maxim that ‘a lady or gentleman is never rushed’ applies perfectly online. Taking a moment to consult a trusted friend or relative is sound etiquette and smart fraud prevention – and a precious opportunity to chat and catch up, too.”
Rupert
Do your bit to help others: update, report, block and delete
Good digital manners help protect everyone. Reporting attempted calls and messages is important because this intelligence is collected and analysed to help stop scammers and keep people safe. So keep your software updated, forward suspicious texts to 7726 so they can be investigated, then block and delete. Scam emails can be reported to report@phishing.gov.uk, and anything pretending to be from EE can also go to phishing@ee.co.uk. Many smartphones now allow you to block and report scam calls or messages directly on the device.
BT, EE and Plusnet are already blocking over 3 million scam attempts every day across their networks, and EE’s Scam Guard detects and warns you about potential spam and scam calls – but it works even better when we all do our bit.
This holiday season, talk to your family and reassure them about the helpful technology and options available so they can protect themselves – and others.
Need to know
“No one likes a grass, but when it comes to scammers, reporting and blocking is basic self-defence.”
Margie
Questions or need more help?
As the UK’s best network, we work hard to keep our customers safe. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit our Fighting Fraud page for more information.