Britons are being cautioned to remain alert as a surge in sophisticated scams targets mobile devices and computers throughout the UK.
The team at Virgin Media O2 emphasizes that cyber fraud is on the rise at an alarming pace, with the risk of personal data theft and financial losses to online scammers.
Recent statistics from the telecom company’s latest Scam Index show that approximately 18 million UK adults have been targeted by scammers in the last three months. June 2026 recorded the highest number of suspicious calls ever detected by the network, prompting a fresh warning for the public to stay vigilant.
Common scams circulating currently include fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Scammers are also employing tactics like bogus tech support calls, fake lottery win messages, and HMRC scams claiming individuals owe money or are eligible for a tax refund.
An escalating concern is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where fraudsters pretend to be someone known to request urgent financial aid. Virgin Media O2 advises against sending money or sharing personal information with unknown contacts without confirming their identity.
Scammers are increasingly using convincing websites, authentic-looking messages, and a fabricated sense of urgency to coerce victims into clicking on malicious links or divulging sensitive details.
“We witness firsthand how fraud constantly evolves and its devastating impact on victims,” stated Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2.
The company is actively working to safeguard customers by blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and intensifying efforts to combat scammers. The newly introduced Scam Index aims to monitor threats and enhance awareness of criminal tactics so that individuals can recognize warning signs in time. Given the surge in suspicious calls in June, heightened vigilance is recommended.
Virgin Media O2 reports blocking millions of scam attempts and urges the public to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726.
The free 7726 reporting service is accessible on all UK mobile networks. Reports aid in analyzing scam activities, identifying new fraud trends, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking systems to shield more individuals from future attacks.