Virgin Media O2 warns that scammers exploit AI tools to present fake customer service numbers. This alarming trend puts millions of consumers at risk of fraud.
As of early Tuesday, the company reported that millions of Brits have encountered these fraudulent numbers through search engines. Around 1 in 10 people trust an AI-generated phone number without verification.
Within hours, Virgin Media O2 highlighted that 15% of Brits never take additional steps to verify the legitimacy of a number they encounter. Alarmingly, 13% have already been presented with fake customer service numbers.
Among younger demographics, 27% of older Gen Z and Millennials aged 25–34 have faced similar issues. Additionally, 22% of consumers express uncertainty about whether the numbers they see online are genuine.
Virgin Media O2 has flagged more than 1 billion suspicious calls to customers before they pick up the phone. The company is also blocking an equal number of scam text messages.
Criminals are taking advantage of AI-powered tools to create realistic-looking fake numbers. Murray Mackenzie from Virgin Media O2 stated, “Criminals know when people search for help; they’re often looking for a quick answer.” This creates new opportunities for fraudsters.
To combat this issue, Virgin Media O2 is investing heavily in anti-fraud technology. They urge customers to report suspicious numbers to 7726.
Moreover, the company offers Brand ID services to reduce calls from unknown numbers. They recommend always using customer service numbers listed on official websites or bills.
The rise in AI-generated scams highlights the urgent need for scam awareness and telecom security measures. Customers must stay vigilant against these evolving threats.
