Britons are being cautioned to remain alert as a surge in advanced scams is targeting phones, computers, and tablets throughout the UK.
Virgin Media O2’s team highlights that cyber fraud is escalating rapidly, with the risk of personal data theft and financial losses to online scammers.
The telecom company’s latest Scam Index confirms that approximately 18 million UK adults have been targeted by scammers in the last three months. June 2026 saw a peak in suspicious calls 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. Fraudsters are also employing tactics such as fake tech support calls, phony lottery win messages, and HMRC scams claiming individuals owe money or are eligible for a tax refund.
An emerging threat is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where scammers pretend to be someone known to request urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 advises against sending money or sharing personal details with unfamiliar numbers without verifying their identity.
Scammers are increasingly using authentic-looking websites, realistic messages, and a sense of urgency to coerce victims into clicking on malicious links or divulging sensitive information.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the evolving nature of fraud and its profound impact on victims. The company works tirelessly to protect customers by blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and combatting scammers.
Virgin Media O2 has thwarted millions of scam attempts and urges the public to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726. This reporting service, available on all UK mobile networks, aids in analyzing scam activity, identifying new fraud patterns, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking systems to safeguard more individuals from future attacks.