Britons are being cautioned to remain vigilant as a surge in sophisticated scams is targeting phones, computers, and tablets throughout the UK.
Virgin Media O2’s team warns that cyber fraud is on the rise at an alarming pace, with potential consequences including identity theft and financial losses to online scammers.
The telecom company’s latest Scam Index indicates that approximately 18 million UK adults have been targeted by scammers in the past three months. June 2026 saw a peak in suspicious calls detected by the network, prompting a fresh alert for the public to stay cautious.
Common scams currently in circulation involve fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Scammers are also employing tactics such as fake tech support calls, fraudulent lottery win messages, and HMRC scams claiming owed money or promising tax refunds.
A concerning trend is the rise of the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where fraudsters pretend to be familiar individuals seeking urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 recommends verifying the identity of any unfamiliar caller before sharing personal information or sending money.
Scammers are resorting to convincing websites, authentic-looking messages, and creating a sense of urgency to coerce victims into clicking malicious links or disclosing sensitive details.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasizes the evolving nature of fraud and its detrimental impact on victims. The company is dedicated to safeguarding customers by blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and implementing measures to combat scammers.
With a record number of suspicious calls in June, Virgin Media O2 urges the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726. This reporting service is available on all UK mobile networks and aids in analyzing scam activity, identifying new fraud patterns, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking systems to enhance protection against future attacks.