Virgin Media O2 warns that AI tools are being exploited by scammers to present fake customer service numbers. This poses a risk to millions of consumers in the UK.
Millions of Brits have encountered fake customer service numbers through search engines and AI-generated content. Around 1 in 10 people trust these AI-generated phone numbers without verification.
Research shows that 15% of Brits never take steps to verify if a number is legitimate. Furthermore, 13% have been shown fake customer service numbers via these platforms.
Younger generations are particularly vulnerable. About 27% of older Gen Z and Millennials aged 25–34 have reported encountering these fraudulent numbers.
Virgin Media O2 has flagged over 1 billion suspicious calls, aiming to protect its customers from fraud. The company is investing heavily in anti-fraud technology to combat this issue.
Criminals exploit AI-powered tools to present fake phone numbers that appear legitimate. Murray Mackenzie from Virgin Media O2 stated, “Criminals know when people search for help, they’re often looking for a quick answer.”
The company has dealt with numerous fraud cases where customers called these fake numbers and lost money.
Yet, many consumers remain uncertain about the legitimacy of the numbers they encounter online. A survey found that 22% of consumers are unsure whether a number is genuine.
To enhance scam awareness, Virgin Media O2 urges customers to report suspicious numbers to 7726. They also recommend using customer service numbers listed on official websites or bills.
This warning highlights the increasing need for telecom security as fraudsters continue to adapt their tactics using advanced technology.
