Virgin Media O2 users are being warned to stay vigilant as a concerning new scam emerges. The telecommunications company has raised an alert following a significant increase in individuals falling victim to fraudulent call center numbers generated by artificial intelligence.
Reports indicate that millions may have already been deceived into dialing numbers that link 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, according to the company. Virgin Media stated that criminals are leveraging AI-driven tools to display fake phone numbers, websites, and search results to capture data and commit fraud.
As more people rely on AI-generated search results for information, hackers are exploiting this trend to ensnare unsuspecting individuals. Virgin Media advises customers to only utilize authentic service numbers provided on official company websites, apps, or bills.
For O2 assistance, the recommended contact method is dialing 202 from an O2 device, while for Virgin Media, customers should call 150 from a landline. Additionally, individuals are advised to exercise caution when dealing with numbers suggested by search engines, social media, or AI tools.
Furthermore, it is crucial never 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, emphasized the risks posed by AI tools that enable fraudsters to create convincing fake numbers, urging the public to report suspicious numbers to aid in combating scams effectively.
