Britons are being cautioned to remain alert as a surge in sophisticated scams is targeting phones, computers, and tablets throughout the UK.
Virgin Media O2’s team warns that cyber fraud is on the rise at a concerning pace, with the risk of personal data theft and financial losses to online scammers.
The telecom company’s latest Scam Index reports that approximately 18 million UK adults have been targeted by scammers in the last three months. June 2026 saw the highest number of suspicious calls ever detected by the network, prompting a fresh alert for the public to stay vigilant.
Common scams circulating currently include fake parcel delivery notifications, online shopping fraud, account suspension alerts, and banking scams. Scammers are also employing tactics such as bogus tech support calls, fake lottery win messages, and HMRC scams demanding money or promising tax refunds.
A growing concern is the notorious “friends and family” impersonation scam, where fraudsters pretend to be someone known to request immediate financial assistance. Virgin Media O2 advises against sending money or sharing personal details with unknown contacts without verifying their identity first.
Scammers are increasingly using authentic-looking websites, realistic messages, and a sense of urgency to coerce victims into clicking malicious links or divulging sensitive information.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, stated, “We witness firsthand the ever-evolving nature of fraud and its detrimental impact on victims. We are tirelessly working to safeguard our customers by blocking scam texts, flagging suspicious calls, and taking measures to thwart scammers.”
The company’s new Scam Index aims to monitor the threat landscape and increase awareness of criminal tactics so the public can recognize warning signs in time. With June marking a record month for suspicious calls, heightened vigilance is advised.
Virgin Media O2 has already thwarted millions of scam attempts and encourages the public to report suspicious texts and calls by forwarding them to 7726.
The 7726 reporting service, available on all UK mobile networks, aids in analyzing scam patterns, identifying new fraud trends, investigating malicious numbers, and enhancing blocking mechanisms to shield more individuals from future attacks.