A concerning alert has been issued by UK network O2, now part of Virgin Media, regarding a surge in text scams targeting smartphone users nationwide. These scams aim to deceive individuals into divulging personal information and money.
Reports indicate a notable increase in various types of attacks, including parking ticket notifications, job offers, fraudulent prize schemes, and the notorious “Hi mum” tactic. The “Hi mum” ploy involves scammers impersonating a distressed family member to solicit funds, resulting in substantial financial losses for victims.
Virgin Media O2 has taken action by blocking over 600 million suspicious texts. However, the network emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance among UK mobile phone users.
Murray Mackenzie, Virgin Media O2’s Director of Fraud Prevention, emphasized the evolving nature of scams, urging caution against unsolicited communications. He advised the public to refrain from sharing personal details, remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages or calls, and report any suspicious activity promptly.
To safeguard against these threats, smartphone owners are urged to exercise caution, avoid clicking on unknown links, and carefully consider their responses to unsolicited messages.
Common scam tactics to watch out for include the emotional manipulation of the “Hi Mum/Hi Dad” text, enticing gambling and fake prize scams, deceptive parking fine notifications, fraudulent recruitment offers, and misleading car finance messages.
In a continual effort to combat fraud, individuals are encouraged to stay informed, stay alert, and report any suspicious communications to the designated reporting service.
