Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a new scam that is on the rise. The telecoms company has raised an alert due to a significant increase in fake call center numbers being circulated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Reports indicate that millions of individuals may have fallen victim to calling these fraudulent numbers, leading them to cybercriminals who attempt to steal personal information, such as banking details.
Research suggests that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools.
Virgin Media has highlighted that criminals are taking advantage of AI-driven tools to display fake contact details of reputable brands, luring consumers to disclose sensitive data for fraudulent activities.
With the reliance on AI-generated search results growing, hackers find it easier to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Virgin Media stresses the importance of using only authentic service numbers from official company sources, apps, or bills.
For those needing assistance from O2, dialing 202 from an O2 device is recommended, while for Virgin Media, calling 150 from a landline is the quickest way to get in touch.
It is advised to exercise caution when encountering numbers from search engines, social media, or AI tools, and to never share security codes or personal information with unsolicited callers.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the risks posed by AI tools that enable fraudsters to create realistic-looking fake numbers, urging the public to report suspicious numbers to assist in combating scams effectively.