Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a concerning new scam that is on the rise. The telecommunications company has raised an alert due to a significant increase in fake call center numbers generated by AI targeting individuals.
Reports indicate that millions of people may have already fallen victim to dialing these fraudulent numbers, connecting them to cybercriminals attempting to steal sensitive information, such as banking details.
It has been revealed that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, highlighting the extent of the issue.
Virgin Media has stated that criminals are exploiting AI technology to display fake phone numbers, websites, and search results to deceive consumers seeking to contact reputable brands, leading to data theft and fraudulent activities.
As more individuals rely on AI-generated search results for information, hackers have found a prime opportunity to deceive unsuspecting users.
To safeguard against such scams, Virgin advises customers to only use authentic service numbers listed on official company websites, applications, or billing statements. For contacting O2, customers should dial 202 from an O2 device, and for Virgin Media, the number is 150 from a landline.
Furthermore, individuals are urged to exercise caution when dealing with phone numbers provided by search engines, social media platforms, or AI tools. It is crucial never to disclose security codes or personal information to unverified callers, regardless of their claims.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the risk posed by fake numbers generated by AI tools, which can mislead individuals into contacting criminals instead of legitimate service providers.
Virgin Media O2 is taking proactive measures to protect customers, including blocking known scam numbers on the network and using AI to detect and flag over 1 billion suspicious calls. The public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to expedite the shutdown of scams in the future.