Suspicious visit from EE?

I suspect it was simply a disguised sales call, but I've just had a strange visit from someone with an EE badge, claiming to be working in conjunction with MoneySavingExpert, saying they are investigating reports of internet problems in the area.

I'm NOT with EE, but he claimed other providers rent the network from them (I don't think this is true, especially in the case of Plusnet, who I'm with, whom I'm pretty sure use Openreach infrastructure).

He asked how my internet has been lately (I said "no problem") and claimed they just need to do "a quick speed test" to check if my line needs upgrading; did I have my mobile handy?

I said no, and shut the door in his face.

I'm entirely happy I did the right thing, whoever he was, but am now wondering if he was even from EE, or any ISP, or if the whole thing might have been an attempted distraction burglary - householder is distracted going to get phone...

Has anyone encountered these tactics from EE? Do you think they even were EE? Should I be having a word with the local police station?

EE are part of BT (as are PlusNet) and BT are moving more to having EE as their "retail arm". However, EE and BT Retail are not the same as OpenReach - OpenReach whilst also being owned by BT is separate from all of the retail arms. I would not expect an EE badged rep to suggest they are OpenReach as it would likely breach the BT conditions for how they have to separate OpenReach from the other businesses.

I would have not allowed them my mobile either. I don't believe EE would turn up at random doors like this and so I suspect you are right that it was some sort of scam. I would consider contacting EE and informing them, firstly to see if it is legit and secondly, assuming it wasn't, to let them know people are impersonating them which could impact their brand and image.

I just tried to message EE on Facebook, asking whether they have canvassers in the area today, but their FB Messenger is unmanned, and just responds with advice to install their app! And they don't publish any email address!

I've tried posting on the MoneySavingExpert forum, to ask if they have any kind of bona fide collaboration with EE at the moment.

X would probably be the best contact route but if you are anything like me you may not use that platform.

A bit like you, evidently.

In reply to a post by TLM:

A bit like you, evidently.

Indeed, it has its benefits but on principal I deleted my account years ago and nothing since Mr Musk took ownership makes me think I should rejoin.

In reply to a post by TLM:

Should I be having a word with the local police station?

Yes. I would be very surprised if MoneySavingExpert are endorsing a particular provider - there are plenty of scams which use Martin Lewis' name and even voice to promote bitcoin scams and the like.

"investigating reports of internet problems in the area" also sounds exceedingly suspicious.

It says it all that there's a fine line between some unscrupulous and over-zealous sales reps and actual criminals! I know some sales people desperate for commission will say pretty much anything to get your attention, including things that aren't true. The pseudo-test might just have been an excuse for him to say: "Oh dear, it's not very good, we could fix that for you!"

But equally, it could have been to make me turn my back to fetch the phone, while he or an accomplice gains entry.

Or maybe he would have snatched the phone and scarpered, if I had presented one?

Did they mean MoneySavingExpert or Money Expert?

https://ee.co.uk/help/profile/manage/ee-door-to-door

If you can be bothered I would make a complaint, they should be straight up with you about it being a sales visit and not lying about problem solving.

He (and the logo on his shirt) claimed MoneySavingExpert.

I completely agree that even if it was a bona fide EE rep, they should be honest that it's a sales visit, and not use the ruse that they're investigating some alleged fault. But it's a reality that people will be more ready to indulge them if they think it's anything but a sales pitch!

Unfortunately, I don't have a doorbell cam, and am starting to doubt what I saw, but I was pretty sure EE and MSE logos were both on his shirt. Nicely done, too - not like someone just ran it off on a printer and tacked it on.

MSE replied that they NEVER cold-call, but he never actually claimed to be from them. More like gave the impression MSE reports were what alerted them to an issue!

Thanks for the link. I might give EE a call tomorrow, if I feel up to it. If he is one of theirs, they should know he's telling porkies to try to get business. But equally, they should know if someone is impersonating them!