Virgin Media O2 users are being warned to stay vigilant as a concerning new scam trend emerges. The telecommunications company has raised an alert following a significant increase in individuals falling prey to fake call center numbers generated by artificial intelligence.
Reports indicate that millions may have already been deceived into dialing numbers that lead them to cybercriminals attempting to steal sensitive information, such as banking details.
Approximately 13% of UK consumers have reportedly encountered counterfeit customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, as per the company’s findings.
Virgin Media highlighted that criminals are leveraging AI-powered technologies to present consumers with bogus phone numbers, websites, and search results, enabling them to gather data and commit fraudulent activities.
With the reliance on AI results growing for data searches instead of traditional web browsing, hackers have found an ideal opportunity to ensnare unsuspecting individuals.
To safeguard against such scams, Virgin emphasizes the importance of using authentic service numbers listed on official company platforms, apps, or bills. For those needing assistance from O2, dialing 202 from an O2 device is recommended, while for Virgin Media, calling 150 from a landline is advised.
It is also crucial to exercise caution when encountering numbers from search engine results, social media posts, or AI tools and never disclose security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claims.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, warned that fraudsters exploit the immediacy of online searches by creating convincing fake numbers through AI tools, potentially leading users to criminals instead of trusted service providers.
Virgin Media O2 is actively taking steps to protect customers by blocking known scam numbers on the network and utilizing AI to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls to date. To combat scammers seeking new avenues to target victims, the public is urged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 for prompt action against scams.
By staying informed and reporting dubious activities, individuals can contribute to a safer digital environment and help prevent fraudulent schemes.
