Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a new scam that has been on the rise. The telecommunications company has issued an alert after noticing a significant increase in fake call center numbers being generated by AI technology.
Reports suggest that millions of individuals may have fallen victim to calling these fraudulent numbers, unknowingly connecting with cybercriminals who aim to steal personal information, including sensitive details like banking information.
It has been revealed that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools, leading them to malicious actors seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
Virgin Media has highlighted the exploitation of AI-powered tools by criminals, manipulating search results to display counterfeit contact information, websites, and search outcomes to deceive users into divulging personal data for fraudulent activities.
As more people rely on AI-generated results for information rather than traditional web browsing, hackers find an opportunity to deceive users effectively.
To safeguard against such scams, Virgin Media advises customers to only use official service numbers provided on the company’s legitimate websites, apps, or bills. For those needing to contact O2, dialing 202 from an O2 device is recommended, while for Virgin Media, calling 150 from a landline is the quickest method.
It is crucial to exercise caution when encountering numbers from search engines, social media, or AI tools, and never share security codes or personal information with unsolicited callers, regardless of their purported identity.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the risks associated with fraudulent AI-generated numbers, urging individuals to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to combat scams effectively. The company has implemented measures to block known scammer numbers and employ AI technology to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls, emphasizing the collective effort required to protect against evolving scam tactics.