How to spot a text from scammers pretending to be from O2

How O2 text scams work 👀

• The first message you'll usually get from these fraudsters pretending to be from O2 might be something that asks you to click on a link. Often the message will be about an unpaid bill or something where you supposedly owe some money to 'O2'.

• When you click on the link, the link doesn't look exactly like the O2 site, but it'll have 'O2' in the URL and so it'll look legit. The 'O2' page you open up first might also ask for your O2 log in details.

• The website page you'll be directed to will usually then get you to fill out some personal information. This information is usually things like your home address and your bank details.

• Once you've entered your information, the fraudster can use it to break into your bank account or use your card for online spending. They could also contact you later pretending to be from your bank or another organisation you trust, and asking you to transfer money. Because they collected information about you, they'll sound like they are from your bank and know details only your bank would know.

• You might check your bank account or get a notification saying that there's unexpected spending on your account. And realise that the text you got and the link you followed was part of a scam!

How to spot one of these O2 scams 🔎

• O2 will never email, text or call you and ask for a one-time code, password, or other security information you’ve set up on your O2 account. If you get an email, text or call that asks for this, contact O2 to be sure this isn't a scam.

• The text or email might contain spelling mistakes. This is always a tell tale sign of a scam.

• The text or email might start off with a generic 'dear sir/madam' or 'dear customer'.

• The message might ask you to provide sensitive personal or financial information, passwords, or to make transactions by following a link in the message.

• There are strange or suspicious links in the text. Or there’s a name in the header with extra letters, numbers or substitutions (like the URL in the example above).

• A phishing scam might also change the letter 'O' in O2 to the number zero. This is so subtle, it's a tricky one to spot!

• You might be asked to call a number you don't recognise. If this happens,

  call O2 with a number you trust (like the one here).

• The message might have an urgent tone, asking you to act immediately.

Here's what to do if you've received a text claiming to be from O2

• Call O2 directly, to check that the text or message you've received is legitimate. You can find the number to call on their help and support website page here.

• Don't click on the link, unless you're absolutely certain it's genuine.

• If the text looks or sounds suspicious, trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• An organisation you trust will never try to panic you by saying you're missing a payment, you owe money and they won't scare you by saying they'll close your account immediately.

• Don't ever give away your personal details and don't make any bank transfers.