Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a surge in a concerning new scam. The telecommunications company has raised an alarm after observing a significant increase in individuals facing fake call center numbers presented by artificial intelligence.
Reports indicate that millions may have fallen victim to dialing these fraudulent numbers, connecting them to cybercriminals aiming to steal personal information, such as banking details.
Approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, as per the company’s findings.
Virgin Media explained that criminals are leveraging AI-driven technologies to display counterfeit phone numbers, websites, and search results to consumers seeking to contact reputable brands. This deceptive tactic is used to extract data and commit fraudulent activities.
With the reliance on AI-generated search results growing, hackers have found an ideal opportunity to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
To safeguard against such scams, Virgin advises customers to only use legitimate service numbers provided on official company websites, apps, or bills. For those needing assistance from O2, the recommended method is to dial 202 from an O2 device, while Virgin Media customers can call 150 from a landline.
It’s essential to exercise caution when encountering numbers from search engines, social media posts, or AI tools. Additionally, individuals should refrain from disclosing security codes or personal details to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claimed identity.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the risk posed by AI tools enabling fraudsters to create convincing fake numbers that appear authentic through search results or chatbots. The company is actively combating such threats by blocking known scammer numbers and flagging suspicious calls using AI technology.
Virgin Media O2 urges the public to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to expedite the shutdown of scams and enhance overall safety measures.