An urgent warning has been issued to millions of iPhone and Android users by O2 regarding a newly discovered scam targeting UK customers. The scam involves fraudulent messages claiming that users’ SIM cards are at risk of deactivation due to failure to accept updated Terms and Conditions. The messages use alarming language and appear to come from an official O2 number, making them difficult to spot as fake.
If you have an O2 SIM card, be cautious of a message stating, “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.” This message includes a link that leads to a fake website aiming to steal personal information, potentially compromising MyO2 accounts and other online passwords.
Customers who receive messages about expiring SIM cards should refrain from clicking any links. Instead, they should verify the message’s authenticity by accessing their accounts through the official O2 platform or contacting the network directly.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the increasing sophistication of scammers, using convincing tactics like urgent requests and fake websites to lure victims. Virgin Media O2 is taking measures to combat scams, such as blocking malicious texts and websites, and enhancing fraud monitoring on online accounts. Reporting suspicious messages to 7726 helps in shutting down scams promptly.
O2 has shared protective advice for customers, including being wary of texts demanding acceptance of new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation, avoiding impulsive responses to urgent messages, and refraining from clicking links in unexpected texts. Trustworthy O2 messages typically appear under a verified sender name rather than a random number.
In case of clicking on a suspicious link and entering login details, it is advisable to change the password immediately to secure the account. Stay vigilant and follow O2’s guidelines to safeguard against potential scams.