Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a concerning new scam that has been on the rise recently. The telecommunications company has issued an alert after noticing a significant increase in fake call center numbers being distributed through AI technology.
Reports suggest that millions of individuals may have fallen victim to dialing these fake numbers, unknowingly connecting to cybercriminals seeking to steal sensitive information such as financial details.
Approximately 1 in 8 consumers in the UK (13%) have reportedly encountered fake customer service numbers via search engines or AI tools, as per the company’s findings.
Virgin Media has highlighted that criminals are taking advantage of AI-powered tools to display counterfeit contact information when users seek to communicate with trusted brands. This deceptive practice enables fraudsters to collect data and carry out fraudulent activities.
With the reliance on AI-generated search results growing among users seeking information, hackers have found an effective method to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
To safeguard against such scams, Virgin recommends users only rely on authentic service numbers provided on official company websites, apps, or billing statements. For contacting O2, users can dial 202 from an O2 device, while Virgin Media customers can call 150 from their landline.
Additionally, caution is advised when encountering numbers from search engine results, social media posts, or AI tools. It is crucial not to disclose security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claimed affiliation.
Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, Murray Mackenzie, emphasizes that fraudsters exploit the urgency of individuals seeking quick assistance by using AI tools to present convincing fake numbers, posing a risk to users inadvertently contacting criminals instead of legitimate service providers.
Virgin Media O2 is actively combatting fraudulent activities by blocking known scammer numbers on their network and leveraging AI to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls to date. The public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to aid in promptly shutting down scams.
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