Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a new scam that is on the rise. The telecoms company has raised an alert due to the increasing number of people falling victim to fake call center numbers generated by artificial intelligence.
Reports suggest that millions of individuals may have already been deceived into dialing numbers that connect them to cybercriminals aiming to steal personal information, such as banking details.
Approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, according to Virgin Media. The company explained that criminals are exploiting AI technology to display counterfeit phone numbers, websites, and search results to capture data and commit fraud.
As more people rely on AI-generated results for information, hackers are taking advantage of this trend to deceive unsuspecting users. Virgin Media advises customers to only use authentic service numbers provided on official websites, apps, or bills.
To contact O2, customers should dial 202 from an O2 device, and for Virgin Media, the recommended number is 150 from a landline. It is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with numbers obtained from search engines, social media posts, or AI tools.
Additionally, individuals are urged not to disclose security codes or personal details to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claimed identity. Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the risks posed by AI tools that enable fraudsters to create realistic fake numbers, urging vigilance among consumers.
Virgin Media O2 is actively combating scam activities by blocking known fraudulent numbers on the network and utilizing AI technology to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls. The public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to aid in the swift shutdown of scams.
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