Britons are being advised to remain cautious as a wave of sophisticated scams is targeting mobile devices, computers, and tablets nationwide.
Virgin Media O2 experts have alerted the public to the escalating cyber fraud trend, emphasizing the risk of personal data theft and financial losses at the hands of online scammers.
The telecom company’s latest Scam Index report highlights that approximately 18 million UK adults have fallen victim to scams in the last three months alone. June 2026 recorded the highest volume of suspicious calls ever detected by the network, prompting a renewed call for public vigilance.
Common scam tactics in circulation include deceptive parcel delivery notifications, fraudulent online shopping schemes, account suspension alerts, and banking fraud. Scammers are also employing tactics such as fake tech support calls, phony lottery winnings notifications, and HMRC scams alleging owed money or promised tax refunds.
A growing concern is the well-known “friends and family” impersonation scam, where fraudsters pretend to be familiar contacts to request urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 advises individuals not to share personal information or transfer money to unknown callers without verifying their identity first.
Scammers are increasingly using authentic-looking websites, convincing messages, and a sense of urgency to coerce victims into clicking on malicious links or divulging sensitive details.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, stressed the evolving nature of fraud and its detrimental effects on victims. The company is actively combating scams by blocking fraudulent texts, flagging suspicious calls, and enhancing protective measures.
Virgin Media O2’s Scam Index aims to monitor scam activity, educate the public on criminal tactics, and empower individuals to recognize warning signs early. With June marking a peak in suspicious calls, heightened awareness is advised.
While millions of scam attempts have been thwarted by Virgin Media O2, the public is encouraged to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726. This free reporting service is accessible on all UK mobile networks and assists in analyzing scam patterns, identifying new fraud trends, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking mechanisms to safeguard against future attacks.