Virgin Media O2 users are being warned about a dangerous new scam on the rise. The telecoms company has raised an alert due to a significant increase in individuals falling victim to fake call center numbers generated by AI technology.

The company estimates that millions of people may have already been deceived into dialing numbers that lead them to cybercriminals aiming to steal personal information, including sensitive data like bank details.

Reports suggest that approximately 13% of UK consumers have encountered counterfeit customer service numbers through search engines or AI tools.

Virgin Media stated that criminals are using AI-powered tools to display fraudulent phone numbers, websites, and search results to deceive consumers seeking to contact reputable brands, enabling them to obtain data and commit fraud.

As more individuals rely on AI-generated results for information rather than clicking on traditional web pages, hackers have found a prime opportunity to carry out their fraudulent activities.

To safeguard against such scams, Virgin advises customers to only use authentic service numbers provided on official company websites, apps, or billing statements. For contacting O2, dialing 202 from an O2 device is recommended, while for Virgin Media, calling 150 from a landline is the quickest option.

It is also crucial to exercise caution when dealing with numbers suggested by search engines, social media posts, or AI tools. Furthermore, never disclose security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers, regardless of their claims of legitimacy.

Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized that scammers exploit the tendency of individuals seeking quick assistance by fabricating realistic-looking fake numbers accessible through search results or chatbots, thereby endangering people by connecting them with criminals instead of legitimate service providers.

Virgin Media O2 is actively combating scams by blocking known fraudulent numbers on the network and using AI technology to flag over 1 billion suspicious calls to date. To enhance safety measures, the public is encouraged to report suspicious numbers to 7726 to aid in shutting down scams promptly.

By remaining vigilant and reporting dubious activities, everyone can contribute to safeguarding individuals against potential fraudsters exploiting emerging channels to target unsuspecting victims.