An urgent warning has been issued to millions of iPhone and Android users by O2, urging them to be cautious following the detection of a concerning new scam targeting UK customers.
The fraudulent message being received by users claims that their SIM cards are on the verge of deactivation due to their alleged failure to accept updated Terms and Conditions. The scam employs urgent language like “IMPORTANT” and “NOT” and seems to originate from an official O2 number, making it challenging to distinguish as fake.
For those with an O2 SIM card, it is crucial to remain vigilant as the message states, “O2UK: IMPORTANT: Your SIM Card(s) will be inactive on 04/06/2026, because you have NOT signed our Terms and Conditions. Logon to sign.” Furthermore, the message contains a link that leads recipients to a counterfeit website aimed at stealing personal information. Scammers may exploit this data to access MyO2 accounts and potentially infiltrate other online accounts using stolen passwords.
Recipients who receive notifications about their O2 SIM card expiring should refrain from clicking on any links provided. Instead, they should access their accounts through the official O2 website or app, or directly contact the network to verify the message’s authenticity.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, cautioned that scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their approaches, using convincing language and fake websites to deceive victims effectively.
Virgin Media O2 is actively implementing measures to protect individuals from scammers, such as blocking scam communications and enhancing fraud monitoring on online accounts. Reporting suspicious messages to 7726 aids in the prompt shutdown of scams at their source, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in identifying and reporting potential threats.
Additionally, O2 has shared guidelines to assist customers in safeguarding themselves:
– O2 will not send texts demanding acceptance of new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation, as these are fraudulent.
– Exercise caution with messages employing urgent or coercive language to induce hasty actions.
– Be wary of unexpected messages from unknown numbers, as genuine O2 communications typically display under a verified “O2” sender name rather than a regular mobile number.
– Refrain from clicking on links in unsolicited texts; instead, directly access the MyO2 app or contact 202 from an O2 phone to verify the legitimacy of requests.
– If you have inadvertently provided login details after clicking on a suspicious link, promptly change your password to secure your account.