Customers using the Virgin Media O2 platform are being warned about a concerning new scam targeting them. The telecoms company has raised an alarm due to a significant increase in fake call center numbers generated by artificial intelligence (AI) that are leading people to cybercriminals aiming to steal personal information, such as banking details.
Virgin Media stated that millions of individuals might have already fallen victim to dialing these deceptive numbers, which ultimately connect them to fraudsters seeking to commit identity theft. Approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, raising concerns about the scale of the issue.
The company highlighted that criminals are exploiting AI-powered tools to display bogus phone numbers, websites, and search results to deceive consumers seeking to contact reputable brands. This tactic allows fraudsters to collect data and carry out fraudulent activities.
As people increasingly rely on AI-generated search results for information, hackers find it easier to ensnare unsuspecting victims. Virgin Media emphasized the importance of using authentic service numbers listed on official company websites, apps, or bills to avoid falling prey to such scams.
To contact O2, customers are advised to dial 202 from an O2 device, while for Virgin Media, the recommended method is to call 150 from a landline. It is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with numbers provided by search engines, social media posts, or AI tools to prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Additionally, individuals are urged not to disclose security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claimed identity. Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the risks associated with seeking quick assistance online, emphasizing the need for vigilance against realistic-looking fake numbers created by AI tools.
Virgin Media O2 is taking proactive measures to protect customers, including blocking known scammer numbers on their network and using AI to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls. The public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to help expedite the shutdown of scams in the future, as scammers continue to explore new avenues to target victims.