Dear Watch Member,
An O2 scam targeting customers in the United Kingdom is offering ridiculous discounts and phone plans in return for your one-time security codes.
At a time when the cost of living is rising in the United Kingdom – when many of us are worried about the looming energy price cap disaster, and finances are often stretched thin — the prospect of being the lucky customer eligible for a discount of 35% to 40% on your phone plan is an attractive one. At least, that’s what the callers on the end of the phone try to sell you.
The caller sounds delighted in informing you that you can take advantage of a substantial discount on your plan.
Even before they finish their pitch, you receive a text message which is a legitimate O2 communication — a one-time code that customers can use to access their accounts if they forget their password, for example.
This is how the scam works:
The cold caller asks if you want to take advantage of the discount.
At the same time, the scammer visits the O2 sign in page, types in your phone number, and asks for a one-time code to access your account In order to apply the discount. They only need the code they have just sent to your handset; if you hand over the code, they can then access your details.
Reports suggest the team has also impersonated Carphone Warehouse and Three, and are offering discounts, new phone contracts, and a 100% discount on phone charges. Worth keeping an eye out for, and as always, you should never hand over these details. If in doubt, cut the call and ring your service provider directly.
Remember, if someone calls you claiming to be from O2, they would never ask for one-time passcodes, passwords and PINs, or personal information like your bank details. So, make sure you check who they are by asking where they’re calling from. If you have any doubts, just give them a call to check.
If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]
Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]