An urgent warning has been issued to millions of iPhone and Android users by O2, advising them to remain vigilant following the discovery of a concerning new scam targeting UK consumers.
The deceptive message being circulated to devices notifies users that their SIM cards are on the verge of deactivation due to their alleged failure to agree to updated Terms and Conditions. The scam is highly convincing as it employs urgent language like “IMPORTANT” and “NOT,” and seems to originate from an official O2 number, making it challenging to distinguish as fraudulent.
For individuals with an O2 SIM card, it is crucial 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 directing recipients to a counterfeit website designed to harvest personal information. Once scammers obtain these details, they may attempt to infiltrate MyO2 accounts and utilize stolen passwords to access other online accounts.
Users who receive a notification regarding their O2 SIM card’s imminent expiration should refrain from clicking on any links provided. Instead, they should log into their account via the official O2 website or app, or contact the network directly to verify the message’s authenticity.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, cautioned that scammers are enhancing their tactics to deceive victims with more believable and urgent requests, coupled with convincing fake websites.
“At Virgin Media O2, we are committed to assisting individuals in avoiding 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 us to act swiftly to shut down scams at the source, emphasizing the importance of everyone’s cooperation in forwarding dubious messages,” Mackenzie stated.
O2 has also shared guidance to help customers safeguard themselves:
– O2 does not dispatch texts requesting customers to agree to new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation; such messages are fraudulent.
– Exercise caution with messages utilizing urgent or threatening language intended to induce quick action.
– Be wary of unexpected messages from unknown numbers; genuine O2 messages typically display under a verified “O2” sender name.
– Refrain from clicking on links in unsolicited texts; instead, directly access the MyO2 app or dial 202 from an O2 phone to verify the legitimacy of a request.
– If you have unknowingly clicked on a suspicious link and provided login credentials, promptly change your password to safeguard your account.
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