O2 is urging customers to be aware of criminals who are trying to steal their details through a new scam. The fraudsters are trying to steal personal details by offering bogus offers on their phone bill.
The scam sees the fraudsters call up O2 customers and tell them that they are eligible for 30% or more off their bill. They then send a text with a one-time passcode and ask they you read it back to them.
But the code is actually a login code for your online account. Giving it to them gives them access to all of your personal details, reports The Mirror.
It also means they could order a new expensive phone in your name. If this happens, you could end up being charged for the phone until you report it as fraud but then the fraudster has the phone.
O2 has taken the scam seriously and has even begun sending a text message out to customers before the passcode arrives. The message reads: “If someone’s calling you and asking for a code, please end the call because they DO NOT work from O2.”
Liam Rawsthorne, head of fraud at Virgin Media O2, said: “At Virgin Media O2, we’re constantly investing to help better protect our customers from scams but unfortunately, we know that full-time fraudsters are always looking for new ways to target our customers. If you receive a call offering a deal or significant discount on your mobile contract that sounds too good to be true, it probably is – so taking a moment to pause is always the best course of action.
"Our staff will never pressure you into accepting a deal right then and there or call you to ask for your one-time passcode over the phone so never share it with an unexpected caller, no matter how legitimate they seem. When in doubt, always clam up, hang up and call us back.
"Our offers will never have a five-minute time limit, so you won’t miss out on any genuine deals – but you might just swerve the scammers.”
