Britons are being cautioned to remain alert as a surge of sophisticated scams is targeting phones, computers, and tablets nationwide in the UK.
Virgin Media O2’s team highlights the continuous rise of cyber fraud, emphasizing the risk of personal data theft and financial loss to online scammers.
The telecom company’s latest Scam Index discloses that approximately 18 million UK adults have been targeted by scammers in the past three months. June 2026 witnessed a record number of suspicious calls detected by the network, prompting a renewed call for public vigilance.
Common scams include fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Fraudsters are also employing tactics like bogus tech support calls, fake lottery win messages, and HMRC scams demanding money or offering tax refunds.
A growing concern is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where scammers pose as familiar contacts to request immediate financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 advises verifying the identity of unknown callers before sharing personal information or sending money.
Scammers are increasingly using authentic-looking websites, convincing messages, and a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into clicking on malicious links or divulging sensitive data.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, stated, “We witness firsthand the ever-evolving nature of fraud and its severe impact on victims. Our efforts to protect customers include blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and combating scammers tirelessly.”
The company’s new Scam Index aims to monitor threats and raise awareness about criminals’ tactics to help the public recognize warning signs early. With a surge in suspicious calls in June, heightened alertness is advised.
Virgin Media O2 reports blocking millions of scam attempts and urges the public to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726.
The free 7726 reporting service is accessible on all UK mobile networks, assisting Virgin Media O2 in analyzing scam patterns, identifying new fraud trends, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing its blocking mechanisms to safeguard more individuals from future attacks.