To ask what the scam is here

[PumpkinSoup21]

I’m home alone this eve with two little ones. DH is away.

Doorbell just rang and I thought it was a courier but when I opened the door it was a young bloke in a shirt and tie with a puffer jacket and a clipboard. He said not to worry (weird way to begin I think) but had I noticed the work they are doing on our street to upgrade the broadband? There has been work in our street and City Fibre vans so that all seemed plausible.

He asked who our broadband provider was and then said he needed to check we were getting the new faster speed and asked me to just grab my phone for him. I was already a bit wary but at that point alarm bells went off. I didn’t really know what to do so I said it wasn’t a good time and could he come back later.

Am I being weird? Is this a scam? What’s the scam? Has anyone heard of this?

If he does come back I won’t open the door but should I tell the police and/or check on the neighbours. We have some quite elderly and vulnerable neighbours here who we know. Not sure how to check on them when I’m on my own with the kids though.

Thank you!

Tell them you prefer 56k dial up. The fucking pricks

I work on the principle that if they're cold calling at the door, the phone etc they're up to no good! It once almost cost me a weekend trip to Berlin but I think it's the best option. It also applies to those selling dusters etc with some sob story, 'I never buy at the door, thank you' is my go to response.

I was going to say surely this is the most obvious thing he would do? Run off with your phone.

CityFibre have done work in our area too and I've had a text from Virgin Media:
We've increased your broadband speeds to M125, at no extra cost, serving faster average download speeds etc etc
So maybe just check with your actual service provider

I had something similar literally two days ago and they said they were from Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert. The man did have an ID badge. He was very pleasant and didn't try to force me to do anything, I was already with BT and he went on his way. Would it be worth checking with Martin Lewis to see if any employees in your area?