An urgent warning has been issued to iPhone and Android users by O2, advising them to be cautious due to a new scam targeting individuals in the UK.
The fraudulent message being circulated suggests that users’ SIM cards are at risk of deactivation as they have allegedly not agreed to updated Terms and Conditions. The scam employs urgent language, such as “IMPORTANT” and “NOT,” and is sent from what appears to be an official O2 number, making it more challenging to identify as a fake communication.
For those with an O2 SIM card, it is crucial to be vigilant. The deceptive message states, “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.”
In addition to the deactivation threat, the message contains a link that directs victims to a counterfeit website aimed at stealing personal information. Scammers may then attempt to access MyO2 accounts and exploit stolen passwords to breach other online accounts.
Recipients of messages claiming their O2 SIM is about to expire should refrain from clicking on any links. Instead, they should access their accounts through the official O2 website or app, or reach out to the network directly to verify the authenticity of the message.
Murray Mackenzie, the Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the increasing sophistication of scammers in their tactics to deceive individuals.
Virgin Media O2 is actively working to assist individuals in evading scams by blocking fraudulent texts and websites, as well as enhancing fraud monitoring on online accounts. Reporting suspicious messages to 7726 enables prompt action to shut down scams at the source, urging everyone to contribute by forwarding any dubious messages.
O2 has shared advice to help customers safeguard themselves:
– O2 will never send texts requesting customers to accept new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation. Any such messages are scams.
– Exercise caution with messages using urgent or threatening language to pressure immediate action.
– Be wary of unexpected messages from unknown numbers. Legitimate O2 messages typically display under a verified “O2” sender name rather than a regular mobile number.
– Avoid clicking on links in unexpected texts. Instead, open the MyO2 app directly or call 202 from an O2 phone to validate the legitimacy of a request.
– If you have mistakenly provided login details after clicking on a suspicious link, promptly change your password to secure your account.