Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a concerning new scam. The telecommunications company has raised an alert following a significant increase in the targeting of individuals with fake call center numbers generated by artificial intelligence.
Reports indicate that millions may have already fallen victim to dialing these fraudulent numbers, leading them to cybercriminals seeking to steal sensitive information, such as banking details.
It is estimated that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools.
Virgin Media has stated that criminals are taking advantage of AI-powered tools to display counterfeit phone numbers, websites, and search results to deceive consumers into disclosing personal data and committing fraud.
As individuals increasingly rely on AI-generated search results, hackers exploit this trust to ensnare unsuspecting victims.
To safeguard against such scams, Virgin Media recommends users only utilize authentic service numbers listed on official company websites, apps, or bills. When contacting O2, dial 202 from an O2 device, and for Virgin Media, call 150 from a landline.
Additionally, caution is advised when encountering numbers from search engines, social media, or AI tools. It is crucial never to disclose security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claimed identity.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized that fraudsters capitalize on people seeking quick assistance by leveraging AI tools to present realistic fake numbers through search results or chatbots, putting individuals at risk.
Virgin Media O2 is proactively combating scams by blocking known scammer numbers on the network and using AI to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls. They urge the public to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to expedite scam prevention efforts.
By reporting suspicious activities, everyone can contribute to safeguarding against scams and protecting others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.