A significant week of shopping approaches as Black Friday 2025 kicks off on Friday, November 28. While the sales attract bargain hunters, consumers face increased risks during this annual event. Cybercriminals exploit the Black Friday frenzy by sending convincing text-message scams to deceive people.
One of the primary dangers is delivery scams, taking advantage of the high volume of online orders. Scammers send fake messages related to missed deliveries or shopping to deceive individuals.
In efforts to safeguard customers, O2 issues a significant warning advising everyone to remain vigilant. O2 highlighted that a quarter of Brits admit to often forgetting their purchases until they arrive, making them susceptible to delivery scam texts.
To enhance safety measures, Virgin Media O2 now deploys AI and firewall technology to block scam calls and texts. The company reports having stopped hundreds of millions of scam messages this year, including millions of fake delivery alerts.
For those concerned about scams, O2 offers five tips for protection:
1. Keep track of your orders.
2. Verify suspicious links before clicking.
3. Be cautious of urgent payment requests.
4. Check sender details for authenticity.
5. Exercise caution with vague messages.
Addressing the current threat, James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of avoiding fraud during the busy shopping period. He urged consumers not to fall victim to scammers and to report any suspicious activity promptly.