An urgent warning has been issued to millions of iPhone and Android users by O2, urging customers to be vigilant following the discovery of a new scam targeting UK individuals.
The fraudulent message being circulated to devices notifies users that their SIM cards are on the verge of deactivation due to their alleged failure to accept updated Terms and Conditions. The scam employs urgent language like “IMPORTANT” and “NOT” and seems to originate from an official O2 number, making it harder to discern as fake.
For O2 SIM card holders, it is essential to be cautious. 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 redirecting victims to a counterfeit website aimed at stealing personal information. Once scammers acquire these details, they may try to access MyO2 accounts and exploit stolen passwords for unauthorized access to other online accounts.
Recipients of messages claiming imminent expiration of their O2 SIM should avoid clicking any links. Instead, they should log into their account via the official O2 website or app, or reach out to the network directly to verify the message’s authenticity.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the increasing sophistication of scammers in their tactics, utilizing realistic and urgent appeals along with convincing fake websites to target victims effectively.
Virgin Media O2 is actively working to shield individuals from scams by implementing measures such as blocking scam texts and malicious websites, as well as enhancing fraud monitoring on online accounts. Reporting suspicious messages to 7726 enables swift action to combat scams at their source, urging everyone to contribute by forwarding dubious messages.
O2 has provided guidance to help customers safeguard 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 to pressure immediate action.
– Approach unexpected messages from unknown numbers with skepticism. Genuine O2 messages usually display under a verified “O2” sender name rather than a standard mobile number.
– Refrain from clicking links in unsolicited texts. Instead, directly access the MyO2 app or dial 202 from an O2 phone to validate the legitimacy of a request.
– If you inadvertently clicked on a suspicious link and entered your login credentials, promptly change your password to secure your account.