AI search results serving fake O2 customer service phone numbers
Impersonating: Virgin Media O2
What is this scam?
Virgin Media O2 has issued a fraud warning after millions of customers were exposed to fake phone numbers surfaced by AI-powered search overviews when looking up O2 contact details. Criminals exploit AI summary features in search engines to display fraudulent numbers at the top of results; callers reach scammers who impersonate O2 agents and extract account credentials, personal details, and payment information. O2 says the only safe way to contact them is via the number on the back of your SIM card or your monthly bill.
Example scam message
[AI search overview shown when searching 'O2 customer service number']: 'O2 Customer Service — 0800 XXX XXXX. Available 8am–9pm Mon–Sat. For billing, upgrades and account queries.' [The number connects to fraudsters, not O2. O2's genuine number is 202 from an O2 mobile or 0344 809 0202 from any other phone.]
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?