Britons are being cautioned to remain alert as a surge in sophisticated scams is targeting phones, computers, and tablets nationwide. Virgin Media O2’s team warns that cyber fraud is on the rise, posing risks of personal data theft and financial losses to online scammers.
Recent data from Virgin Media O2’s 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 reported by the network, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance among the public.
Common scams currently in circulation encompass fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Additionally, criminals are employing tactics such as fake tech support calls, fraudulent lottery win messages, and HMRC scams coercing victims into making payments or claiming tax refunds.
A growing concern is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where fraudsters masquerade as acquaintances to solicit urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 advises individuals to refrain from sharing personal information or sending money to unknown contacts without verifying their identity.
Scammers are increasingly using authentic-looking websites, convincing messages, and creating a false sense of urgency to manipulate individuals into clicking on malicious links or divulging sensitive details.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the evolving nature of fraud and its detrimental effects on victims. The company remains committed to safeguarding customers by proactively blocking scam attempts and raising awareness about fraudulent tactics through initiatives like the Scam Index.
Virgin Media O2 encourages the public to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726, a free reporting service available on all UK mobile networks. These reports assist in analyzing scam patterns, identifying emerging fraud trends, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking mechanisms to shield more individuals from potential attacks.
