An urgent warning has been issued to millions of iPhone and Android users by O2, advising them to be cautious due to the emergence of a concerning new scam targeting UK consumers.
The deceitful message being received by users alleges that their SIM cards are on the verge of deactivation because they purportedly failed to agree to updated Terms and Conditions. The scam is highly convincing as it employs urgent terms like IMPORTANT and NOT, and seems to originate from an official O2 number, making it challenging to distinguish as fraudulent.
For individuals with an O2 SIM card, it is crucial to be vigilant. The 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 redirects victims to a counterfeit website aimed at stealing personal information. Once scammers acquire this data, they may try to access MyO2 accounts and exploit stolen passwords to infiltrate other online accounts.
Recipients of messages claiming their O2 SIM is nearing expiration should refrain from clicking on any embedded links. Instead, they should log into their account via the official O2 website or app, or directly contact the network to verify the message’s authenticity.
Murray Mackenzie, the Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, cautioned that scammers are evolving in sophistication, utilizing convincing language and urgent requests to target victims along with authentic-looking fake websites, showcasing the astuteness of their tactics.
Virgin Media O2 is dedicated to aiding individuals in avoiding scams by blocking deceitful texts and malicious websites, as well as implementing enhanced fraud monitoring on online accounts. Mackenzie urges everyone to report suspicious messages promptly to expedite the shutdown of scams at the source.
O2 has shared advice to help customers protect themselves:
– O2 does not send texts requesting customers to accept new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation. Such messages are fraudulent.
– Exercise caution with messages using urgent or threatening language designed to induce hasty actions.
– Be wary of unexpected messages from unknown numbers. Genuine O2 messages typically display under a verified “O2” sender name, not a standard mobile number.
– Refrain from clicking links in unsolicited texts. Instead, access the MyO2 app directly or call 202 from an O2 phone to validate the legitimacy of a request.
– If you have inadvertently clicked on a suspicious link and entered your login details, promptly change your password to safeguard your account.