More than 600 million scam text messages have been detected and blocked in 2025, already surpassing the combined total of 2023 and 2024.
The telecoms provider analysed messages reported and blocked throughout August to help inform mobile phone users about the latest scam tactics they need to look out for.
🚨 We’ve blocked 600M+ scam texts so far in 2025 – more than double the total from 2023 and 2024 combined.
Fraudsters are targeting people with fake gambling, recruitment, and car finance messages.
📲 If you get a suspicious text:
➡️ Forward it to 7726
➡️ Or use the ‘report… pic.twitter.com/8EalVxTSwt— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) September 4, 2025
Director of Fraud Prevention at Virgin Media O2, Murray Mackenzie, said: “Scammers aren’t sticking to old tricks; they’re evolving fast, tapping into trending news and targeting vulnerable people with fake prizes, job offers and financial compensation schemes.
“At Virgin Media O2 we’re doing everything we can and have already blocked more than 600 million scam texts from reaching our customers so far this year.
“By analysing these messages and sounding the alarm, we’re helping to spread the word about the latest trends and help Brits to swerve the scammers.”
Top 5 scams to look out for
The top 5 scams to look out for, according to Virgin Media O2, are:
- Gambling/fake prize scams
- Hi Mum/Hi Dad
- Fake parking fines
- Recruitment scams
- Car Finance mis-sold
The most commonly reported scam messages are gambling or fake prize scams in which fraudsters offer free ‘credit’ on gambling sites, ‘prizes’ or ‘rewards’ with a link to an unsafe website.
The criminals encourage people to hand over personal details, including bank information, to claim their prize.
How to avoid scams
The second most common tactic currently being used is ‘Hi Mum / Hi Dad’ scams, where scammers pretend to be a child reaching out to their parent in distress on a new phone number before asking them to transfer money.
Users are also being urged to be aware of fake parking fines where scammers threaten significant fines or that their driver’s license will be revoked if they do not visit a “suspicious” website and make an immediate payment.
Also on the rise are recruitment scams where fraudsters say they’re hiring for lucrative positions that don’t exist and car finance scams in which victims are told they are entitled to compensation.
In both cases, scammers encourage people to share personal information and may ask them to pay fees for their services to help secure the job or access compensation.
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What to do if you receive a “suspicious” text message
Mobile phone users on any network who receive a suspicious text message or call they believe is a scam are urged to forward it to Virgin Media O2 on 7726 (for free).
Customers with certain devices, including newer iPhones, can also use the ‘report junk’ tool, which appears at the bottom of messages from people not in their contacts.
By reporting messages, it makes it easier for new trends to be identified and shut down faster, Virgin Media O2 added.
Mr Mackenzie said: “With fraud continuing to increase, we’re reminding people to remain vigilant; always be careful when you receive a call or text out of the blue, don’t share personal details with anyone and report suspicious messages for free to 7726.”
