Britons are being cautioned to remain vigilant against a surge in sophisticated scams targeting phones, computers, and tablets nationwide. Virgin Media O2’s team warns that cyber fraud is escalating rapidly, posing risks of personal data theft and financial losses to online scammers.
Recent data from the telecom company’s Scam Index indicates that approximately 18 million UK adults have fallen victim to scams in the past three months alone. Notably, June 2026 witnessed a spike in suspicious calls, marking a concerning trend. The public is advised to stay alert in light of these findings.
Common scams in circulation encompass fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Fraudsters are also employing tactics such as fake tech support calls, deceptive lottery win messages, and HMRC scams claiming tax refunds or debts.
An emerging threat is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where impostors pretend to be known individuals seeking urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 emphasizes the importance of verifying identities before sharing personal information or transferring money to unfamiliar contacts.
Scammers are increasingly utilizing convincing websites, authentic-looking messages, and creating a sense of urgency to coerce victims into clicking malicious links or divulging sensitive details.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the evolving nature of fraud and its detrimental impact on victims. The company remains committed to safeguarding customers by proactively combating scam activities, including blocking suspicious texts and calls.
Virgin Media O2’s Scam Index aims to monitor threats, raise awareness of criminal tactics, and empower the public to recognize warning signs early on. With a surge in suspicious calls recorded in June, heightened vigilance is recommended.
While millions of scam attempts have been thwarted by Virgin Media O2, the public is urged to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726. This free reporting service, available on all UK mobile networks, aids in analyzing scam patterns, identifying new fraud trends, and enhancing blocking mechanisms to protect more individuals from potential attacks.