An urgent warning has been issued to millions of iPhone and Android users by O2 due to a new scam targeting UK consumers. The scam involves a fraudulent message claiming that the recipients’ SIM cards will be deactivated because they have allegedly not accepted updated Terms and Conditions. The message uses urgent language and appears to come from an official O2 number, making it difficult to discern as fake.
The message states, “O2UK: IMPORTANT: Your SIM Card(s) will be inactive on 04/06/2026, because you have NOT signed our Terms and Conditions. Logon to sign.” Additionally, the message includes a link leading to a fake website aimed at stealing personal information. Scammers may use this information to gain access to MyO2 accounts and potentially breach other online accounts using stolen passwords.
Users who receive such messages should avoid clicking on any links and instead verify the message’s authenticity through the official O2 website or app or by contacting the network directly.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the increasing sophistication of scammers, urging vigilance and reporting of suspicious messages. Virgin Media O2 is actively implementing measures to combat scams, including blocking scam texts and websites and enhancing fraud monitoring on online accounts.
O2 has provided advice to help customers protect themselves, emphasizing that O2 does not send texts requesting acceptance of new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation. Users are urged to be cautious of urgent or threatening messages, avoid trusting unknown numbers, refrain from clicking on unexpected links, and change passwords immediately if they have clicked on a suspicious link.
