Fake Virgin Media O2 5G SIM upgrade email
Impersonating: Virgin Media O2
What is this scam?
Phishing emails exploit the recent closure of O2's 3G network by urging customers to upgrade to a new 5G SIM. The emails mimic Virgin Media O2 branding and direct recipients to a fake site that harvests personal and financial details. Virgin Media O2 has confirmed these emails did not come from them.
Example scam message
Alert: Switch to Your New 5G SIM for a Faster, Stronger Network. Your current SIM will stop working soon. Click here to request your free upgrade: o2-sim-upgrade.xyz/activate
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
- Do not make any payments or provide personal details in response to the message.
- Contact your provider directly using the number on their official website.
- Forward the message to 7726 (free spam reporting).
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Not sure if your message is a scam?
Check it instantly with our free AI-powered detector.
Check a message nowSource: Which?