Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a concerning new scam that is on the rise. The telecommunications company has raised an alert after noticing a significant increase in individuals being targeted by fake call center numbers generated by artificial intelligence.
The company has stated that millions of people may have already fallen victim to calling these numbers, unknowingly connecting to cybercriminals who attempt to steal personal information, such as banking details.
Approximately 13% of UK consumers have reportedly encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, according to Virgin Media. These scammers are taking advantage of AI technology to display false phone numbers, websites, and search results to deceive consumers and commit fraud.
As more individuals rely on AI-generated results for information, hackers have found an effective way to deceive unsuspecting users. Virgin Media emphasizes the importance of using only verified service numbers from official company sources, such as websites, apps, or bills.
To contact O2, customers should dial 202 from an O2 device, while for Virgin Media, the appropriate number is 150 from a landline. It is advised to exercise caution when encountering numbers from search engines, social media posts, or AI tools.
Furthermore, individuals should refrain from sharing security codes or personal information with unsolicited callers, regardless of the claims they make about their identity. Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the risk posed by AI tools that enable fraudsters to present realistic-looking fake numbers, potentially leading individuals to contact criminals instead of legitimate service providers.
Virgin Media O2 is actively taking measures to protect customers by blocking known scammer numbers and flagging suspicious calls using AI technology. They urge the public to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to facilitate faster scam prevention efforts in the future.
