An urgent warning has been issued to millions of iPhone and Android users by O2, urging them to be cautious due to a new scam targeting UK customers.
The scam involves a fraudulent message claiming that customers’ SIM cards are at risk of deactivation for failing to accept updated Terms and Conditions. The message uses urgent language and appears to be sent from an official O2 number, making it difficult to discern as fake.
Customers with O2 SIM cards should be on the lookout for a message 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.”
In addition to the deactivation threat, the message contains a link leading to a fake website aimed at stealing personal information. Scammers may use this data to access MyO2 accounts and breach other online accounts using stolen passwords.
Recipients of messages about expiring O2 SIM cards are advised not to click on any links but instead to verify the message’s authenticity by accessing their accounts through the official O2 website or app, or contacting the network directly.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the increasing sophistication of scammers in their tactics, urging vigilance and reporting of suspicious messages to prevent scams.
O2 has also offered guidance to help customers protect themselves, including avoiding responding to texts requesting acceptance of new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation, being wary of urgent or coercive language in messages, and refraining from clicking on links from unknown sources. It is recommended to verify the legitimacy of requests by using official channels such as the MyO2 app or O2 customer service.
If personal information has been entered on a suspicious link, customers are advised to change their passwords immediately to safeguard their accounts.