Black Friday 2025 is set to kick off on November 28, marking the beginning of a significant shopping week. While this event offers great deals for savvy shoppers, it also poses risks for consumers due to increased cybercriminal activity. Scammers often exploit the Black Friday frenzy by sending deceptive text-message scams to unsuspecting individuals.
Delivery scams are a prominent threat during this period, as scammers capitalize on the high volume of online orders. To address this concern, O2 has issued a warning advising consumers to remain vigilant. According to O2, a quarter of Brits tend to forget their purchases until they receive them, making them vulnerable to delivery scam texts.
In an effort to enhance customer safety, Virgin Media O2 has implemented AI and firewall technology to block scam calls and texts. The company has already thwarted hundreds of millions of scam messages this year, including fake delivery alerts.
For those worried about falling victim to scams, O2 has shared five tips for protection:
1. Keep a record of your orders to easily identify fake confirmations.
2. Verify suspicious links before clicking, especially those from unfamiliar sources.
3. Exercise caution with urgent payment requests in text messages, as legitimate companies do not demand immediate payments.
4. Scrutinize sender details, particularly if the message comes from an unknown or non-UK number.
5. Be wary of vague messages lacking specific order details, as they may be generic scam attempts.
James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during Black Friday to avoid falling prey to fraud. He urged consumers to report any suspicious messages and not to click on dubious links. By following these precautions, individuals can protect themselves from fraudulent activities during the shopping season.