Britons are being cautioned to stay alert as an increase in sophisticated scams is targeting phones, computers, and tablets throughout the UK.
Virgin Media O2’s team has noted a concerning rise in cyber fraud, posing risks of personal data theft and financial losses to online scammers.
Recent statistics from the telecom company’s Scam Index indicate that approximately 18 million UK adults have been targeted by scammers in the last three months. June 2026 witnessed a surge in suspicious calls, prompting a fresh advisory for the public to remain vigilant.
Common scams circulating presently involve fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Fraudsters are also employing tactics such as bogus tech support calls, fake lottery win messages, and HMRC scams claiming individuals owe money or are entitled to a tax refund.
A notable emerging threat is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where criminals pretend to be acquaintances to request urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 recommends refraining from sending money or disclosing personal information to unknown numbers without verifying identities.
Scammers are increasingly utilizing authentic-looking websites, convincing messages, and a sense of urgency to coerce victims into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive details.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the evolving nature of fraud and its detrimental effects on victims. The company is dedicated to safeguarding customers by actively blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and combatting scam activities.
Virgin Media O2 encourages the public to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726, a free reporting service available across all UK mobile networks. Reports aid in analyzing scam patterns, identifying new fraud trends, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking mechanisms to shield more individuals from potential attacks.
The company has thwarted millions of scam attempts and continues to advocate for public vigilance to combat fraudulent activities effectively.