Britain’s largest telephone network issues an urgent scam warning – follow three rules to stay safe

Britain’s largest phone network has issued an urgent scam warning to its customers, affecting both iPhone and Android users.

The warning is especially important as demand for new technology grows in the run-up to Christmas.

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Manufacturers often use the second half of the year to launch their latest devices in anticipation of a festive sales wave.

This can be great for shoppers as they can get the latest gadgets on their list in time for the big day.

Just this month, the iPhone 16 was unveiled, and new AI features will be rolled out in the near future.

And it wasn’t until the summer that Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

But O2, Britain’s largest network provider, has warned it could also be a busy period for scammers looking to take advantage of Britons’ shopping spree.

The company said: “Fraudulent activity often increases during device launches, and scammers can make offers that seem too good to be true, such as deep discounts or free devices.

“We are calling on customers to look out for three signs that you may be being targeted by scammers, and offering advice on how to stay safe.”

Criminal gangs are apparently targeting product launches to steal personal data, passwords and even cash.

Luckily, O2’s cybersecurity experts are ready with three key rules you should follow to protect yourself

First, they emphasized that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

It’s important to remember that providers, including 02, will never ask you for passwords or banking details over the phone or text message.

This data should only be used to log into your account on the company’s official website and users should be wary of suspicious links claiming to take them there.

They said: “Whether it’s a tempting 30% or 40% discount on your bill or a free new phone or tablet, scammers are promising anything and everything to trick customers into handing over sensitive information .

“Once they have this, fraudsters use it to breach security and steal a device in the victim’s name, leaving them responsible for the bill.”

If you are asked for such information over the phone, immediately end the call and contact your carrier directly.

Similarly, they warned against responding to messages stating that there had been a password or address change that you had not requested.

Don’t click on any links and instead call your provider to discuss any suspicious activity on your account.

This is especially important if, like many Brits, you use the same password on multiple platforms, as all your accounts could be hacked.

Finally, O2 warned customers about an even more devious scam where crooks order devices from unsuspecting customers’ homes without their knowledge.

They then send a fake message stating that the product was delivered in error and provide an address or courier to pass it on to.

Doing this will allow you to keep the bill for the missing device.

The company added: “Scammers will usually try to reach you first, so it’s important to contact O2 immediately if you receive an unexpected package.

“O2 can monitor your account for suspicious activity, help protect it from further misuse and provide a pre-paid label to ensure the device is returned safely to the official O2 Returns Centre.”