Scam library · Phone calls · Seniors
Internet or cable provider discount call scam
A caller says they're from your internet or cable provider and you qualify for a loyalty discount: 50% off for a year. To lock it in, you just prepay a few months, often with gift cards or a payment app.
The caller isn't from your provider. The discount doesn't exist, and your payment goes to a scammer.
What the message looks like
From: Caller ID shows your provider's name
Congratulations! As a loyal customer, you qualify for 50% off your internet for 12 months.
To activate, prepay six months using gift cards. I can stay on the line while you buy them.
How this scam works
Scammers know which providers are popular in your area and may spoof caller ID to show the provider's name. Some already have your name and address.
They may ask for your account PIN, security answers or a one-time code, which can lead to account takeover or SIM swaps.
Some ask you to buy gift cards from a specific store, saying it's a 'promotional partner'.
Real providers offer promotions on their official websites, apps and bills, and don't accept gift cards as payment.
Older adults and small businesses are frequent targets because they may have long-standing accounts and want to save money.
If you're interested in a discount, call your provider using the number on your bill or in its app.
Some callers say the discount is about to expire, or that your service will be interrupted if you don't upgrade today. Others offer free equipment upgrades in exchange for a 'small activation fee'.
If you do accept a fake offer, scammers may call back later with another 'deal', because they know you're likely to pay.
Red flags
- Big discounts offered on unexpected calls.
- Prepayment with gift cards or payment apps.
- Requests for your account PIN or one-time codes.
- Caller ID showing a company name.
- Pressure to act today.
How to tell it’s fake
- Call your provider using the number on your bill.
- Check promotions in your provider's app.
- Never share codes or PINs with callers.
- Remember gift cards aren't for paying bills.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up. Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- If you paid, contact the gift card company or your bank right away.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared your account PIN or codes, call your provider to secure the account.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer, so it can't hear calls. When callers send you to payment pages or emails, Scam Guard checks them and warns about fake provider sites. If an offer seems legit, ask a scam expert first.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Can caller ID be faked?
- Yes. Scammers can spoof company names.
- Would my provider ask for gift cards?
- No.
- They asked for my account PIN. What now?
- Call your provider and change it.
- How do I find real discounts?
- Check your provider's official site or app.
- The caller knew my account details. Is it real?
- Some personal data is available from breaches. Hang up and call your provider using the number on your bill.