It's the time of year when new smartphone launches are in full swing, with the iPhone 16, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Pixel 9 all competing for space in our pockets. If you're considering an upgrade, there's no better time than now.
However, it's also a prime time for criminals who are looking to make a quick profit at your expense. This is why O2, a leading UK mobile network provider, has issued a significant warning to both new and existing customers, outlining the lengths fraudsters will go to scam you out of your hard-earned money.
O2 has implemented "advanced online behaviour monitoring" and is "introducing additional ID checks", but still encourages vigilance if you receive contact about an offer for a new phone or other high-value gadget.
"Whether it's a tempting 30 per cent or 40 per cent discount on your bill or a free new phone or tablet, scammers will promise anything and everything to try and trick customers into handing over sensitive information," warned O2, reports the Express.
"Once they have this, fraudsters use it to clear security and take out a device in the victim's name, leaving them responsible for the bill." O2, along with other mobile providers, won't ask you for information such as one-time passcodes, passwords or bank details during a phone call. "Any call requesting this information is guaranteed to be fraudulent-hang up immediately and block the number," advised O2.
The network is also alerting existing customers to stay alert if they receive a notification from O2's official mobile number about a password change, billing address update or a PAC code that they didn't request. A PAC code is something you ask your mobile provider for if you wish to transfer your number to another network.
"If your email address has been compromised or hacked, it often serves as a gateway for scammers to try and access other accounts, such as MyO2. This becomes even riskier if the same password is used across multiple platforms," O2 cautioned.
If you receive a message notifying you of a change you didn't initiate, you should get in touch with O2 straight away, as scammers may have gained access to your account and could be attempting to lock you out of it.
Unexpected phone delivery
Another scam involves fraudsters placing a bogus order for a new device on your account. This is typically delivered directly to your address, but they will then contact you claiming it has been sent by mistake and attempt to deceive you into handing it over to a counterfeit courier driver, which means you've handed over the phone that's been purchased on your O2 account without your knowledge.
"Scammers typically try to reach you first, so it's important to contact O2 immediately if you receive any package unexpectedly," O2 clarified. "O2 can check for any suspicious activity on your account, help protect it from further misuse, and provide a pre-paid label to ensure the device is safely returned to the official O2 Returns Centre at Communication House, Vulcan Road North, Norwich, NR6 6AQ."
Similar scams have been occurring all over the UK, affecting not only O2 customers making it sound advice regardless of where you buy your tech gear from.