As Black Friday 2025 approaches on November 28, consumers need to be cautious during this popular shopping event to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals who take advantage of the frenzy. One prevalent threat is delivery scams, where scammers send fake messages regarding missed deliveries or shopping-related alerts to exploit the online shopping surge.
To address these risks, O2 has issued a warning advising customers to remain vigilant. With many individuals admitting to forgetting their purchases until they arrive, scammers find it easier to deceive them with fake delivery notifications.
In response to these threats, Virgin Media O2 has implemented advanced AI and firewall technologies to block scam calls and texts. This proactive approach has already prevented millions of fraudulent messages, particularly fake delivery alerts, this year.
To assist consumers in safeguarding themselves, O2 has shared five essential tips:
1. Monitor your orders carefully, especially with the increased shopping activity during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
2. Verify suspicious links before clicking, as scam texts often lead to fraudulent websites, particularly those impersonating major courier services.
3. Be cautious of urgent payment requests in delivery messages, as legitimate companies do not demand immediate payments via text.
4. Check the sender details for authenticity, especially if the message comes from an unknown or non-UK number.
5. Be wary of generic messages lacking specific details, as scammers often use vague content to deceive a larger audience.
James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of staying alert during Black Friday to avoid falling victim to fraud. He highlighted the effectiveness of blocking millions of scam messages and advised consumers to report any suspicious activity to ensure a safe shopping experience.
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