A significant shopping week is approaching as Black Friday 2025 kicks off on November 28. While the discounts are appealing to shoppers, there is a heightened risk of scams during this period. Cybercriminals often exploit the Black Friday frenzy by sending deceptive text-message scams.
One prevalent threat is delivery scams, taking advantage of the high volume of online orders. O2 has issued a warning urging consumers to remain cautious. According to O2, 25% of Brits admit to forgetting their purchases until they are delivered, making them susceptible to fake delivery scam texts.
To enhance customer safety, Virgin Media O2 now utilizes AI and firewall technology to block scam calls and texts, preventing millions of fraudulent messages, including fake delivery alerts.
In light of these scams, O2 has shared five tips to help consumers stay safe:
1. Keep a record of your purchases.
2. Verify suspicious links before clicking.
3. Be wary of urgent payment requests.
4. Check the sender details for authenticity.
5. Exercise caution with vague messages lacking specific order details.
Addressing the issue, James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the need for vigilance during the busy shopping season to avoid falling victim to fraud. He advised consumers to report any suspicious messages to 7726 for investigation, emphasizing the importance of staying alert to protect against scams.