Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a concerning new scam that is on the rise. The telecommunications company has issued an alert after noticing a significant increase in the number of individuals targeted by fake call center numbers generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Virgin Media O2, millions of people may have already fallen victim to calling these fraudulent numbers, which connect them to cybercriminals attempting to steal personal information, such as banking details.
Reports suggest that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools.
Virgin Media explained that criminals are taking advantage of AI-powered tools to display fake phone numbers, websites, and search results to deceive consumers and obtain their data for fraudulent activities.
As more people rely on AI-generated results when seeking information, hackers are exploiting this trend to set traps for unsuspecting individuals.
Virgin Media advises customers to only use authentic service numbers provided on official company websites, apps, or bills to avoid falling prey to scams. For assistance with O2, customers can call 202 from an O2 device, and for Virgin Media, they can dial 150 from a landline.
It is crucial to exercise caution when encountering phone numbers from search engines, social media posts, or AI tools, and never disclose security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of their purported identity.
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 vigilance to prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Virgin Media O2 is actively blocking known scammer numbers and utilizing AI technology to flag suspicious calls, with over 1 billion flagged calls to date. Reporting suspicious numbers to 7726 can aid in shutting down scams promptly.
By remaining vigilant and reporting potential scams, individuals can contribute to safeguarding themselves and others against fraudulent activities.