An urgent warning has been issued to iPhone and Android users by O2, alerting them to a new scam targeting UK customers. The fraudulent message being sent to devices claims that users’ SIM cards will be deactivated for failing to accept updated Terms and Conditions. The message uses urgent language and appears to come from an official O2 number, making it harder to spot as fake.
Customers with O2 SIM cards are advised to be cautious if they receive a message stating, “O2UK: IMPORTANT: Your SIM Card(s) will be inactive on 04/06/2026, because you have NOT signed our Terms and Conditions. Logon to sign.” The message contains a link leading to a fake website aimed at stealing personal information, which scammers may use to access accounts and compromise passwords.
In case of receiving a message about SIM deactivation, customers should avoid clicking any links and instead verify the message’s legitimacy through the official O2 website or app, or by contacting O2 directly. Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the increasing sophistication of scammers in deploying convincing tactics to deceive victims.
Virgin Media O2 is actively working to combat scams by blocking malicious texts and websites, enhancing fraud monitoring on accounts, and urging individuals to report suspicious messages promptly. O2 shared protective measures for customers, including not trusting texts demanding acceptance of new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation, being wary of urgent messaging, avoiding clicking on links in unexpected texts, verifying messages directly through the MyO2 app or O2 customer service, and changing passwords immediately if login details were entered on a suspicious link.