As Black Friday 2025 approaches on November 28, shoppers are gearing up for a week of major discounts and deals. While this shopping bonanza is a dream for bargain hunters, it also presents a heightened risk of scams and fraud. Cybercriminals are known to exploit the Black Friday frenzy by sending deceptive text messages in attempts to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
One prevalent threat during this time is delivery scams, where scammers capitalize on the high volume of online orders by sending fake “missed delivery” or other shopping-related messages to individuals.
Recognizing this risk, O2 has issued a critical warning advising consumers to remain vigilant. According to O2, a significant number of Brits (25%) often forget their purchases until they arrive, making them more susceptible to falling for delivery scam texts.
To enhance customer safety, Virgin Media O2 has implemented advanced AI and firewall technology to block scam calls and texts. The company has already intercepted hundreds of millions of scam messages this year, including millions of fraudulent delivery alerts.
For those concerned about falling victim to these scams, O2 has shared five essential tips for safeguarding against fraud:
1. Keep a record of your orders to easily detect fake confirmations.
2. Prior to clicking on any suspicious links in text messages, verify their authenticity, especially if they appear unusual or redirect to unfamiliar websites.
3. Beware of urgent payment demands in messages, as legitimate delivery services do not request immediate payments via text.
4. Verify sender details, particularly if messages come from unfamiliar or non-UK numbers.
5. Exercise caution with vague messages that lack specific references to your orders or their origins, as these could be generic scam attempts.
Addressing the current threat, James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of staying alert during Black Friday to avoid falling prey to fraudsters. He highlighted the company’s efforts in blocking numerous scam texts and urged consumers to report suspicious messages for further investigation.
As the shopping season kicks into high gear, it is crucial for consumers to remain cautious and vigilant against potential scams. By following simple precautions and staying informed, shoppers can protect themselves from falling victim to fraud during the holiday shopping rush.
