O2 UK Blocks Over 600 Million Scam Texts as Fraudsters Evolve Tactics

Mobile Network Operator Warns of Surge in Gambling, Recruitment, and Car Finance Scams

O2, the UK’s second-largest mobile network operator, has revealed a staggering rise in the number of scam text messages targeting its customers. In the first eight months of 2025, the company blocked more than 600 million fraudulent messages – double the total for 2023 and 2024 combined.

“Scammers are evolving fast, tapping into trending news and targeting vulnerable people,” said Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at O2’s parent company, virgin Media O2. “We’re reminding people to remain vigilant and report suspicious messages for free to 7726.”

Gambling and Fake Prize Scams Top the List

An analysis of messages reported and blocked by O2 in August identified gambling and fake prize scams as the most common tactic currently employed by fraudsters. These messages typically offer free ‘credit’ on gambling sites or promise ‘prizes’ and ‘rewards’ if the recipient clicks on an unsafe link.

One example reads: “Your account is now loaded with GBP500 plus 150 FreeSpins Redeem and play today at: <website removed>.”

“Hi Mum/Hi Dad” Scam Takes Second Place

The second most prevalent scam in August was the “Hi Mum/Hi Dad” trick, where criminals impersonate a child reaching out to their parent from a new phone number, claiming to be in distress and requesting an urgent money transfer. Some versions of this scam even use AI to clone the voice of a known family member.

Fake Parking Fines and Recruitment Scams on the Rise

Rounding out the top five scams for August were fake parking fines, where victims are threatened with significant penalties or license revocation if they don’t immediately visit a suspicious website and make a payment, and recruitment scams offering lucrative positions that don’t actually exist.

Car finance scams, in which victims are told they are entitled to compensation for mis-sold agreements, also made the list.

Customers Urged to Use Reporting Tools

O2 is encouraging customers with compatible devices, such as newer iPhones, to use the “report junk” tool that appears at the bottom of messages from unknown senders. All customers can report suspicious texts for free by forwarding them to 7726.

“Always be careful when you receive a call or text out of the blue,” Mackenzie warned. “Don’t share personal details with anyone.”

Scam Texts More Than Double in 2025

The 600 million fraudulent messages blocked by O2 so far this year represent a 108% increase compared to the combined total for the previous two years. With four months still remaining in 2025, that figure is expected to rise even further.

As scammers continue to adapt their methods and exploit current events, mobile users are advised to stay alert and make use of the reporting tools provided by their network operators. By working together, the industry and the public can help stem the tide of scam texts and protect the most vulnerable from falling victim to increasingly sophisticated fraudsters.