A significant shopping event is approaching as Black Friday 2025 kicks off on Friday, November 28. While this annual sale extravaganza is a boon for bargain hunters, it also raises the risk for consumers, as cybercriminals often exploit the frenzy to perpetrate scams through text messages.
One prevalent threat during this period is delivery scams. With the surge in online orders, it’s common for people to lose track of their purchases, making them vulnerable to fake “missed delivery” notifications or other deceptive messages from scammers.
To safeguard consumers, O2 has issued a stern warning advising everyone to remain vigilant. According to O2, a quarter of Brits confess to frequently forgetting their purchases until they arrive, making them susceptible to falling for delivery scam texts.
To enhance security measures, Virgin Media O2 has deployed AI and firewall technology to intercept scam calls and texts. The company has successfully thwarted hundreds of millions of scam messages this year, including fake delivery alerts.
For individuals worried about falling victim to these scams, O2 has shared five essential tips for protection:
1. Keep a record of your orders to easily identify fake confirmations.
2. Exercise caution with suspicious links in texts, especially those from unknown sources.
3. Be wary of urgent payment demands in messages related to deliveries, as legitimate companies do not require immediate payments via text.
4. Verify the sender details, particularly if the message comes from an unfamiliar number.
5. Stay alert for vague messages that lack specific references to your orders.
James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the need for vigilance during Black Friday, warning against falling prey to fraud schemes. He highlighted the company’s efforts in blocking numerous scam texts, including fake delivery notifications, and urged consumers to report any suspicious activity to aid in investigations.