An alarming scam alert has been issued to iPhone and Android users, urging caution against a new fraudulent scheme targeting UK consumers. O2 has warned customers to remain vigilant after the discovery of a deceptive message circulating on devices.
The scam message falsely claims that users’ SIM cards are at risk of deactivation due to their alleged failure to accept updated Terms and Conditions. The use of urgent terms like IMPORTANT and NOT, coupled with the message appearing to originate from an official O2 number, makes it challenging to discern its authenticity.
Recipients of the message are advised to be on the lookout for a notification stating, “O2UK: IMPORTANT: Your SIM Card(s) will be inactive on 04/06/2026, because you have NOT signed our Terms and Conditions. Logon to sign.” The message includes a link redirecting users to a counterfeit website aimed at extracting personal information for malicious purposes.
To safeguard against falling victim to the scam, customers are urged not to click on any provided links. Instead, they should access their accounts through the official O2 platform or contact the network directly to verify the message’s legitimacy.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the escalating sophistication of scammers in their tactics. He emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious messages to facilitate swift action against scams.
O2 has also shared protective measures for customers to follow:
– Disregard texts requesting acceptance of new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation, as O2 does not send such messages.
– Exercise caution with messages using urgent language to pressure immediate action.
– Treat unexpected messages from unfamiliar numbers with skepticism, as genuine O2 communications typically display a verified sender name rather than a standard mobile number.
– Refrain from clicking on links in unsolicited texts; verify requests directly through the MyO2 app or by contacting O2 customer service.
– In the event of clicking on a suspicious link and entering login credentials, promptly change the password to secure the account.