Britons are being cautioned to remain vigilant as a wave of sophisticated scams is targeting phones, computers, and tablets nationwide. Virgin Media O2 has highlighted the escalating trend of cyber fraud, emphasizing the risks of falling victim to these scams, which can result in personal data theft and financial losses.
Recent findings from Virgin Media O2’s Scam Index reveal that approximately 18 million adults in the UK have been targeted by scammers in the last three months. June 2026 witnessed a surge in suspicious calls, marking it as a particularly risky period. As a result, the public is being advised to stay on high alert.
Common fraudulent activities currently circulating involve deceptive parcel delivery notifications, online shopping scams, account suspension alerts, and banking fraud. Scammers are also employing tactics such as fake tech support calls, fraudulent lottery winnings notifications, and HMRC scams claiming individuals owe money or are entitled to a tax refund.
A concerning new threat is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where fraudsters impersonate known individuals to request urgent financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 recommends refraining from sharing personal information or sending money to unknown contacts without verifying their identity.
Scammers are increasingly using convincing websites, authentic-looking messages, and a sense of urgency to coerce individuals into clicking on malicious links or disclosing sensitive details.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, stated, “We witness the ever-evolving nature of fraud and its detrimental effects on victims. Our team works tirelessly to safeguard our customers by blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and implementing measures to thwart scammers.”
Virgin Media O2 has already thwarted millions of scam attempts and urges the public to report any suspicious texts or calls by forwarding them to 7726. This free reporting service is accessible on all UK mobile networks and aids in analyzing scam patterns, identifying new fraud trends, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking mechanisms to shield more individuals from potential attacks.