As Black Friday 2025 approaches on November 28, shoppers are gearing up for a week of major discounts and deals. While the shopping frenzy excites bargain hunters, it also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting consumers. Scammers often deploy deceptive tactics, such as sending fake delivery notifications and fraudulent messages, to swindle people during this busy shopping period.
Delivery scams are a prevalent threat during this time, as scammers capitalize on the high volume of online orders. O2 has issued a cautionary alert, advising consumers to remain vigilant to protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.
O2 highlighted that a significant number of Brits tend to forget their purchases until they are delivered, making them susceptible to falling for delivery scam texts. To combat this, Virgin Media O2 has implemented advanced AI and firewall technology to block fraudulent calls and messages. The company has successfully intercepted millions of scam messages, including fake delivery alerts, this year.
To enhance consumer safety, O2 has shared five essential tips to shield against scams:
1. Keep a record of your orders to detect fake confirmations.
2. Verify suspicious links before clicking, especially those from unfamiliar sources.
3. Be cautious of urgent payment requests in delivery messages.
4. Scrutinize sender details, especially if messages come from unknown numbers.
5. Exercise caution with vague messages lacking specific order details.
James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during Black Friday to avoid falling prey to fraudsters. He encouraged consumers to report suspicious messages and not click on dubious links to prevent becoming victims of scams during the festive season.
