Britons are being cautioned to remain alert as a surge in sophisticated scams targets phones, computers, and tablets all over the UK.
Virgin Media O2’s team highlights that cyber fraud is increasing rapidly, posing risks of personal data theft and financial losses to online scammers.
The telecom company’s most recent Scam Index reports that approximately 18 million UK adults have been targeted by scammers in the last three months. June 2026 recorded the highest number of suspicious calls detected by the network, prompting a fresh warning for the public to stay vigilant.
Common scams currently in circulation involve fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Fraudsters are also employing tactics such as fake tech support calls, phony lottery win messages, and HMRC scams claiming money owed or tax refunds due.
A concerning trend is the rise of the infamous “friends and family” impersonation scam, where scammers pretend to be known individuals to seek urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 advises against sending money or sharing personal details with unknown contacts without verifying their identity.
Scammers increasingly use convincing websites, realistic messages, and a sense of urgency to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or divulging sensitive information.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasizes the evolving nature of fraud and its severe impact on victims. The company works tirelessly to protect customers by blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and combatting scammers.
Virgin Media O2’s new Scam Index aims to monitor threats and raise awareness of criminal tactics so the public can recognize warning signs early. With a record number of suspicious calls in June, people are advised to remain vigilant.
While Virgin Media O2 has thwarted millions of scam attempts, the public is urged to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726. This reporting service, available across all UK mobile networks, helps analyze scam activity, identify new fraud trends, investigate malicious numbers, and enhance blocking systems for enhanced protection against future attacks.