An urgent warning has been issued to iPhone and Android users by O2 regarding a new scam targeting customers in the UK. The scam involves fraudulent messages claiming that customers’ SIM cards are at risk of deactivation due to alleged failure to accept updated Terms and Conditions. These messages use urgent language and appear to be sent from official O2 numbers, making them harder to identify as fake.
Customers with O2 SIM cards should watch out 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.” The message includes a link that leads to a fake website aiming to collect personal information for malicious use.
It is advised that recipients of such messages should not click on any links provided. Instead, they should verify their account status through the official O2 website or app, or contact O2 directly for confirmation.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the increasing sophistication of scammers in their tactics, using believable language and convincing fake websites to deceive victims. Virgin Media O2 is actively working to combat scams and urges the public to report suspicious messages promptly.
O2 has also shared protective measures for customers:
– O2 will not request customers to accept new Terms and Conditions or threaten SIM deactivation via text messages.
– Exercise caution with urgent or threatening messages that pressure immediate action.
– Be wary of unexpected messages from unknown numbers; genuine O2 messages often display as from a verified sender.
– Refrain from clicking on links in unsolicited texts; verify requests through official channels.
– In case of clicking on a suspicious link and providing login details, change the password immediately for account security.