Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a concerning new scam that is on the rise. The telecommunications company has raised an alert due to a significant increase in fake call center numbers being distributed by artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Virgin Media O2, there has been a surge in individuals falling victim to these fake numbers, connecting them to cybercriminals who attempt to steal personal information, such as banking details. It is estimated that around 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools.
The company highlighted that criminals are taking advantage of AI-powered tools to present unsuspecting consumers with fake phone numbers, websites, and search results to obtain sensitive data and commit fraud. With many people now relying on AI-generated results for information rather than clicking on websites directly, hackers have found an opportune way to carry out their scams.
Virgin Media emphasizes the importance of only using authentic service numbers listed on official company websites, apps, or bills to avoid falling prey to such scams. For those needing assistance from O2, the recommended method is to dial 202 from an O2 device, while for Virgin Media, it is suggested to call 150 from a landline.
Additionally, caution is advised when encountering numbers provided by search engines, social media posts, or AI tools. It is crucial never to disclose security codes or personal details to unsolicited callers, regardless of the claims they make about their identity.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the risks associated with AI tools that enable fraudsters to create convincing fake numbers, potentially leading individuals to contact criminals unknowingly. Virgin Media O2 is actively combating these scams by blocking known scammer numbers on the network and using AI technology to identify over 1 billion suspicious calls. The public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to facilitate faster action against scams in the future.