Virgin Media O2 users are being warned to stay vigilant as a new scam targeting them has been on the rise. The telecoms company has issued an alert after witnessing a significant increase in fake call center numbers generated by AI, leading to potential data theft attempts.
According to Virgin Media O2, millions of individuals may have fallen victim to calling fraudulent numbers that link them to cybercriminals seeking to steal sensitive information, such as financial details.
Reports indicate that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, raising concerns about data security breaches.
Virgin Media has highlighted that criminals are leveraging AI technology to display counterfeit phone numbers, websites, and search results to deceive consumers seeking to contact reputable brands, enabling them to extract personal data for fraudulent activities.
As more people rely on AI-generated results for information rather than traditional web browsing, hackers find it easier to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
To protect themselves, Virgin Media advises customers to only use verified service numbers provided on official company websites, applications, or billing statements. For direct contact with O2 or Virgin Media, customers should dial 202 from an O2 device or 150 from a landline, respectively.
Furthermore, caution is advised when encountering phone numbers from search engine results, social media posts, or AI tools to prevent falling prey to scam attempts.
Additionally, individuals are urged not to disclose security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claimed identity, to avoid potential fraud schemes.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the risks associated with AI tools enabling fraudsters to present authentic-looking fake numbers through various channels, putting individuals at risk of connecting with criminals unknowingly.
Virgin Media O2 is actively working to safeguard customers by blocking known scam numbers on their network and utilizing AI to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls to date. To combat scams effectively, the public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 for prompt action against fraudulent activities.