A concerning alert has emerged, urging vigilance from smartphone users in the UK. O2, now part of Virgin Media, has reported a sharp rise in text scams targeting unsuspecting individuals across the country. These scams aim to extract personal information and money from consumers.
Virgin Media O2 has witnessed a notable increase in various types of fraudulent activities, including parking ticket notifications, fake job offers, deceptive prize schemes, and the notorious “Hi mum” tactic. The “Hi mum” strategy involves scammers posing as distressed family members seeking financial assistance, resulting in significant monetary losses.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the evolving nature of scams, with fraudsters adapting quickly to exploit current events and target vulnerable individuals. Despite blocking over 600 million fraudulent texts, the network emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant to combat the escalating threat of fraud.
Smartphone users are urged to exercise caution, refrain from clicking on suspicious links, and refrain from responding to unsolicited messages. To enhance security, individuals are advised to report suspicious messages promptly by forwarding them to 7726.
Five common scam tactics to watch out for include the emotionally manipulative “Hi Mum/Hi Dad” texts, deceptive gambling and prize scams, counterfeit parking fine notifications, fraudulent recruitment messages promising attractive roles, and the rising trend of car finance-related scams. Remain cautious and attentive to protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.