Fake O2 texts and calls claim SIM card is inactive and will expire within 48 hours

What is this scam?

Scam calls and texts targeting O2 customers claim the recipient's SIM card has been flagged as inactive and will expire unless they confirm their account details immediately. Some variants direct recipients to a fraudulent website impersonating O2 to enter personal and account information; others involve a live caller posing as an O2 agent requesting full credentials. Which? flagged this as newly active in July 2026, distinct from the earlier AI search fake O2 number scam. O2 does not proactively contact customers about SIM expiry and never requests sensitive details via an unsolicited text link or cold call.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not make any payments or provide personal details in response to the message.
2. Contact your provider directly using the number on their official website.
3. Forward the message to 7726 (free spam reporting).
4. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.