As the much-anticipated Black Friday 2025 approaches on November 28, shoppers are gearing up for a week of significant discounts and deals. While the sales frenzy excites bargain hunters, it also presents heightened risks for consumers. Cybercriminals are known to exploit this shopping extravaganza by sending deceptive text messages to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
One prevalent threat during this period is delivery scams, where scammers capitalize on the high volume of online orders to send fake “missed delivery” notifications or other fraudulent messages.
To safeguard consumers, O2 has issued a crucial warning advising everyone to remain vigilant. According to O2, a quarter of Brits confess that they often forget their purchases until the items arrive, making them susceptible to falling for delivery scam texts.
In an effort to enhance security, Virgin Media O2 has implemented advanced AI and firewall technologies to combat scam calls and texts. The company reports successfully blocking hundreds of millions of scam messages this year, including numerous counterfeit delivery alerts.
Concerned about the looming threats, O2 has shared five essential tips to help individuals protect themselves during the Black Friday rush:
1. Keep a record of your orders to easily spot fake confirmations.
2. Exercise caution with suspicious links in texts, especially those from unfamiliar sources or with unusual traits.
3. Be wary of urgent payment requests in messages, as legitimate delivery companies do not demand immediate payments via text.
4. Verify the sender details, particularly if the message comes from an unknown or international number.
5. Stay vigilant against vague messages that lack specific details about your order.
James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of staying alert during Black Friday to avoid falling victim to fraud. He highlighted the company’s efforts in blocking numerous scam messages and encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activity for investigation.
As shopping activity peaks during this festive season, being cautious and proactive can help consumers stay safe from online scams and fraudulent schemes.