Free upgrades

[Norfolk+Singalong]

I received a Whats App Text from "0333 7594811" saying I can get a free upgrade to Sky Fibre. It also gave me a date to install. I was asked to reply to confirm yes or no to the upgrade. Anybody else had similar? I think its a scam.

[caesarome · Accepted solution]

@Norfolk+Singalong 

The message you received is from Sky as you can read about here:

https://www.sky.com/help/articles/full-fibre-broadband-at-no-extra-cost

[cookiemonsteruk]

@Norfolk+Singalong 

Sky is utilising whatsapp to notify elligible customers about full fibre uprades.  Check your my sky app or call sky

[Gruffy3]

I received the same WhatsApp message stating that the installation would take place today ( 2/1/25) and to answer yes or no. I did neither as the message also stated that I would be advised in due course of how to change the date if it was not suitable. No information arrived to say how to change the date. Today I rang Sky on an 0333 numberfrom their website ( the system will not allow me to post the number) and spoke to George.  I was advised that there were no plans to install fibre showing on my account and no record of any messages to that effect. George indicated that Sky do not use WhatsApp. I queried this and read the message out to him.  He checked twice with his colleagues including his manager and assured me that the message was definitely a scam and not to click any links contained within. This is in contrast  to the information given on some forum responses. 
Can anyone from Sky confirm what is going on please.?

Very confusing as the WhatsApp message did appear to originate from a Sky type number as with the OP. 

George did confirm that fibre is being installed in my area over the next couple of months. 

[TimmyBGood]

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@Gruffy3 wrote:

George indicated that Sky do not use WhatsApp.

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That's simply incorrect, as the Sky page linked above clearly demonstrates.

WhatsApp message

We might also send you a WhatsApp message if you’re eligible.

WhatsApp message: “Great news, [name]. Your home is now eligible for Full Fibre…”

How to switch to Full Fibre

Follow the instructions in the WhatsApp message we sent you.

[Gruffy3]

Thanks @TimmyBGood  I appreciate your input but when a Sky employee specifically tells me it's a scam, it starts to cast doubt in my mind. On top of that, the Sky operative I spoke to could find no record on my account of any planned full fibre installation so I have to question as to why I was sent the WhatsApp messsage in the first place. 
As an aside, no-one from Sky or Open Reach has turned up today and no one has been in touch by any other means. 

I see in the forum that I am not the only one who has had this as there is a similar post on 10th Dec where the OP was given similar advice. 
I don't know if it's possible to link to another post but I just searched on 'WhatsApp messages from Sky'. 

I suspect that the WhatsApp message is genuinely from Sky but why is there no record of it and why are Sky staff unaware that these messages are now being sent?

[TimmyBGood]

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@Gruffy3 wrote:

why are Sky staff unaware that these messages are now being sent?

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With millions of users to support, Sky employs many thousands of call handlers both in the UK and overseas.  Like any other operation on that scale, it's inevitable that some are better than others.

Obviously it's quite possible that scammers might latch on to the genuine project of replacing antique copper connections with optical circuits, but they will quickly move on to attempt to monetise the situation, which should be a bit of a clue.

There's no requirement to respond to the WhatsApp message in order to get full fibre: once it's available in the area the normal sales process applies.  The messaging is happening because actual take-up of optical connectivity is significantly lagging behind the rollout itself and that upsets those who are funding it.