Virgin Media O2 issues fake text message warning to all customers

Virgin Media is sending out an urgent warning to all UK users that ignoring certain text messages could prove costly. It appears that Android and iPhone users across the nation need to be on high alert, particularly when receiving texts that aren't from trusted contacts or companies with authorised permissions to send them communications.

As it turns out, consumers are being inundated with phony alerts and falling prey to these data-theft scams could have financial consequences. The telecoms giant, Virgin Media O2, indicates a noticeable uptick in cybercriminal activity with an increase in 'ECO4' energy efficiency grant text reports.

These texts promise "free" home upgrades but are nothing more than a bait for unsuspecting individuals to surrender their personal payment data. Currently, energy scams rank as the fourth-most frequently reported and blocked texts on Virgin Media O2's mobile network.

Read more: DWP issues urgent message

"The rise in fraudulent messages linked to government schemes designed to tackle fuel poverty shows that scammers will stop at nothing when it comes to targeting their victims," says Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2.

"That's why it's more important than ever to stay vigilant and take time before acting on an unexpected text. We blocked more than 89 million fraudulent texts from reaching customers last year, but with fraudsters continuously using new tactics to pray on their victims, we encourage customers to help by reporting suspicious messages for free to 7726 so we can investigate and stop scammers in their tracks."

In addition to energy scam texts, Virgin highlights the notorious 'Hi Mum/Hi Dad' messages where fraudsters impersonate someone's child texting from a new or friend's mobile number because their phone is broken, lost or stolen - as continuing to top the list.

These scams have been circulating for some time and continue to trick people, with some losing hundreds of pounds to hackers.

The 'Hi Mum/Hi Dad' threat was followed by counterfeit bank payment texts, and bogus package delivery texts, where fraudsters pose as reputable and trusted companies to deceive people into revealing sensitive information.

If you receive a suspicious text, it's advisable to forward it to 7726. This free service scrutinises texts and can then prevent others from receiving them.

Virgin Media O2 reports that it succeeded in blocking 89 million texts from reaching customers in 2023, but inevitably some will slip through the net, which is why it's crucial to remain alert.