O2 has issued an urgent alert to all customers about a worrying new scam targeting UK users. The fraudulent text message claims that recipients' SIM cards will be deactivated because they have supposedly failed to accept updated Terms and Conditions.
How the Scam Works
The scam message uses urgent language, including words like IMPORTANT and NOT, and appears to come from an official O2 number, making it harder to identify as fake. The message reads: "O2UK: IMPORTANT: Your SIM Card(s) will be inactive on 04/06/2026, because you have NOT signed our Terms and Conditions. Logon to sign."
Along with the threat of deactivation, the text includes a link directing victims to a fake website designed to steal personal information. Once scammers obtain these details, they may attempt to access MyO2 accounts and reuse stolen passwords to break into other online accounts.
What to Do If You Receive This Message
Customers who receive a message claiming their O2 SIM is about to expire should not click on any links. Instead, they should access their account through the official O2 website or app, or contact the network directly to confirm whether the message is genuine.
Official Advice from O2
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, warned that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. "Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using increasingly believable and urgent requests to target victims alongside convincing fake websites, demonstrating just how clever their tactics can be," he said.
"At Virgin Media O2, we’re doing all we can to help Brits avoid scammers, from blocking scam texts and malicious websites to rolling out enhanced fraud monitoring on online accounts. Every report to 7726 helps us act faster to shut down scams at source, so we’re urging everyone to play their part and forward suspicious messages."
Key Tips to Stay Protected
- O2 will not send texts asking customers to accept new Terms and Conditions or threatening SIM deactivation. Messages like this are scams.
- Be cautious of messages using urgent or threatening wording designed to pressure you into acting quickly.
- Avoid trusting unexpected messages from unknown numbers. On many smartphones, genuine O2 messages appear under a verified "O2" sender name rather than a normal mobile number.
- Never click links in unexpected texts. Instead, open the MyO2 app directly or call 202 from an O2 phone to check whether a request is legitimate.
- If you have clicked a suspicious link and entered your login details, change your password immediately to protect your account.
O2 encourages all customers to forward suspicious texts to 7726, a free reporting service that helps the network shut down scams quickly.
