Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a concerning new scam that is on the rise. The telecommunications company has issued an alert after noticing a significant increase in fake call center numbers being distributed by artificial intelligence (AI).
Millions of individuals may have already fallen victim to calling these fraudulent numbers, connecting them to cybercriminals who attempt to steal personal information, including sensitive data like bank details.
Reports indicate that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools. Virgin Media has highlighted how criminals are exploiting AI-driven technologies to deceive consumers seeking to contact reputable brands, leading them to fake phone numbers and websites to carry out data theft and fraudulent activities.
As more people rely on AI-generated search results for information, hackers find an ideal opportunity to ensnare unsuspecting individuals. To combat this scam, Virgin Media advises customers to only use authentic service numbers provided on official company websites, apps, or billing statements.
For those in need of assistance from O2 or Virgin Media, the recommended contact methods are dialing 202 from an O2 device and 150 from a landline, respectively. It is also crucial to exercise caution when encountering numbers from search engines, social media posts, or AI tools.
Furthermore, individuals are cautioned against sharing security codes or personal information with unsolicited callers under any circumstances. Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the risk posed by AI tools enabling fraudsters to create convincing fake numbers that can deceive individuals into contacting criminals rather than legitimate providers.
Virgin Media O2 is actively taking steps to protect customers by blocking known scammer numbers on their network and leveraging AI technology to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls to date. The public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to aid in the swift shutdown of scams.
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