O2 has warned customers to look out for five of the most common types of scams doing the rounds after blocking a record number of scams already this year.
The network operator says it has stopped more than 600 million dodgy texts from landing on people’s phones so far in 2025.
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That’s more than double the number in 2023 and 2024 combined.
Bosses have revealed a “significant rise” in scam texts, particularly related to gambling, recruitment and car finance.
“Scammers aren’t sticking to old tricks,” said Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2.
“They’re evolving fast, tapping into trending news and targeting vulnerable people with fake prizes, job offers and financial compensation schemes.”
The firm uses clever tech and AI to detect possible scams, which are blocked from reaching recipients.
But some still slip through the net, as cyber crooks come up with sneaky new ways to get around safeguards.
For that reason, Virgin Media O2 is cautioning people of what to look out for – and what they should do to fight back against criminals trying to raid bank accounts.
“We’re reminding people to remain vigilant,” Mr Mackenzie continued.
“Always be careful when you receive a call or text out of the blue, don’t share personal details with anyone, and report suspicious messages [and calls] for free to 7726.”
The firm has revealed the top five most common types of scam texts and given some examples.
#1 Gambling / fake prizes
“Your account is now loaded with GBP500 plus 150 FreeSpins Redeem and play today at: <website removed>”
“Congratulations! You’ve received a summer gift! Expires tomorrow. Open it <website removed>”
#2 Hi Mum / Hi Dad
“Hey mum save my new number”
“Hi Dad, did you get this?”
#3 Parking fines
“Parking Charge Notice (PCN): The record shows that you have unpaid parking fines. The deadline for paying the parking fines is August 26, 2025. If you fail to pay the fine on time, you may be subject to additional fines and interest, and your credit record may also be affected. After reading this information, please enter your vehicle registration number in the link below (the information query is free) to view and pay the parking fines. <fake website removed>”
#4 Recruitment
“Hello, my name is Grace Mitchell, and I am the Human Resources Manager at Serviceplan Group.
“We have reviewed your profile on several online recruitment platforms. Currently, we are offering a flexible part-time position that you can complete during your spare time.
“The main task involves optimising software to improve its ranking, increase its visibility, and make the products we optimise more well-known and recognised.
“This is a very simple task that can be learned in 10 to 30 minutes, and we provide free training to help you get started quickly.
“The daily income ranges from ¬£80 to ¬£300, with payment made immediately upon completion of the data optimisation.
“If you would like to join us, please contact us via <Whatsapp link> (Reply 1 and re-open this message to click the link, or copy it to your browser) (Please note that applicants must be at least 25 years old to be eligible for this position.)”
#5 Car finance
“Our records indicate you could be owed up to ¬£2,382.58 in mis-sold car finance. Check for free: <FREE SITE> EXIT=88440”
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
IF you’ve lost money in a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting Actionfraud.police.uk.
You should also contact your bank or credit card provider immediatley to see if they can stop or trace the cash.
If you don’t think your bank has managed your complaint correctly, or if you’re unhappy with the verdict it gives on your case you can complain to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.
Also monitor your credit report in the months following the fraud to ensure crooks don’t make further attempts to steal your cash.
