As Black Friday 2025 approaches on November 28, shoppers are gearing up for a week of major sales. While this annual event presents great opportunities for savings, it also poses increased risks for consumers. Cybercriminals often exploit the Black Friday frenzy to launch scams, particularly through deceptive text messages.
One prevalent threat during this shopping season is delivery scams. Fraudsters capitalize on the high volume of online orders by sending fake “missed delivery” notifications and other misleading messages to unsuspecting shoppers.
To address these risks, O2 has issued a stark warning advising consumers to remain vigilant. The telecom company highlighted that a significant portion of shoppers (25%) tend to forget their purchases until they are delivered, making them more susceptible to falling for delivery scam texts.
In response to these challenges, Virgin Media O2 has implemented advanced AI and firewall technologies to combat scam calls and texts effectively. By leveraging these tools, the company has successfully intercepted millions of fraudulent messages, including fake delivery alerts, safeguarding customers against potential scams.
To enhance consumer safety during the Black Friday rush, O2 has shared five essential tips for protection:
1. Keep a record of your orders to easily spot fake confirmations.
2. Verify suspicious links before clicking, especially those from unfamiliar sources or with unusual characters.
3. Exercise caution with urgent payment requests, as legitimate delivery companies do not demand instant payments via text.
4. Scrutinize sender details, and be wary of messages from unknown or non-UK numbers.
5. Be cautious of vague messages lacking specific order details, as these could be generic scam attempts.
Commenting on the prevalent threat, James Harwood, Fraud Prevention Strategy Lead at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the importance of staying alert during the holiday shopping season. He urged consumers to report any suspicious messages to ensure swift action against scammers, emphasizing the need for collective vigilance to combat fraud effectively.