The scam is designed to capture customers' genuine login credentials, enabling fraudsters to hijack their MyO2 account.
The operator stated an example message reads: " 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. "
O2 has successfully prevented over 1 billion fraudulent messages from reaching customers thus far, including thousands of messages associated with this recent scam. The telecoms firm has additionally implemented measures to stop customers from accessing known fraudulent URLs across both the O2 and Virgin Media networks.
Nevertheless, with scammers continuously adapting their methods and establishing new websites and messages to ensnare victims, O2 is urging Britons to stay alert when receiving unexpected calls and texts. The company is also urging people across all networks to report suspected scams to 7726.
These reports enable telecoms providers to investigate and block mobile numbers used by fraudsters, while helping to enhance their blocking capabilities. This allows for swifter identification of emerging trends and faster message blocking.
This latest alert follows a meeting between Virgin Media O2 and StopScamsUK, alongside BT/EE and VodafoneThree, with the Minister for Fraud Lord Hanson of Flint and parliamentarians to explore how ongoing collaboration can combat fraud and safeguard consumers.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, said: "Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using increasingly believable and urgent requests to target victims alongside convincing fake websites, demonstrating just how clever their tactics can be.
"At Virgin Media O2, we're doing all we can to help Brits swerve the scammers, from blocking scam texts and malicious websites to rolling out enhanced fraud monitoring on online accounts. Every report to 7726 helps us act faster to shut down scams at source, so we're urging everyone to play their part and forward suspicious messages."
The company has outlined its advice for customers:
Be wary of threatening or urgent language designed to pressure you into acting quickly
If you receive any messages from a number you don’t recognise, be cautious as it could be a scam. On many popular smartphones, genuine messages from O2 will appear under a verified ‘O2’ rather than a standard mobile number.
Never click a link in an unexpected message. Instead, go directly to the MyO2 app or call 202 on an O2 device to check if what you’re being asked to do is legitimate
Report suspicious messages to 7726
If you think you may have clicked on a suspicious link and entered your login details, change your password immediately.
Brits can find out more how to protect themselves from scams and stay one step ahead of fraud at Stop Think Fraud – the UK Government’s national awareness campaign .selves from scams and staying ahead of fraudsters at Stop Think Fraud – the UK Government's national awareness campaign.
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