scam call from 0344 809 0202

[looby99]

Have just been scammed by caller from 0344 809 0202 with heavy indian accent. Saying i was gettig discount on my account and would be sending me 2 texts, one warning about scam and another with code to confirm ID. As number was from O2 like a chump i went along with it and provided security question so they then changed my password on account which i thankfully realised and have hopefully got O2 to cancel the new iphone they have ordered for me!

Unbelieveable they can do it from genuine customer service number

BE AWARE

[Cleoriff]

@looby99 

Have you changed your password? If not, do so immediately.

When you called O2 did you ask to speak to the fraud dept?

Other ways to report here including Action Fraud website

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/safety-and-security/phishing-and-smishing-advice

[MI5]

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@looby99 wrote:

Unbelieveable they can do it from genuine customer service number

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This is how https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/problems/tackling-nuisanc...

@Martin-O2 @LukasB @TheresaV O2 need to be aware of this.

[looby99]

yes all reported thanks

[Cleoriff]

Good to hear @looby99 

One word of advice we give to everyone, is to never accept an offer from a cold caller. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

If you look at the recent comments about this 'genuine' O2 number, it appears scams are on the increase.

https://who-called.co.uk/Number/03448090202 

[TheresaV]

Thanks for the tag @MI5 and very sorry you had to experience this @looby99. 

We have raised this internally, so that hopefully this can be prevented in future but will let you know if there are any updates in the meantime.

[Chris_K]

Hey all.

This kind of scam known as number spoofing is something we're aware of and like most other scams, is extremely difficult to stop or slow down. Ofcom is working with the international regulators - as well as the telecoms industry - to find solutions to this problem and you can get more details about this scam here if you want to know more.

From O2's side, we'll never call, text or email you and ask for a one-time code, password, or other security information. You should continue to report these calls by texting CALL to 7726 and we'll reply back to you. Please also see our fraud support page for more advice.

If you think you've disclosed personal data, you can report it to Action Fraud here. If any fraud occurs due to this incident, you can also report this to Action Fraud. If you do notice any fraudulent activity on your O2 account, get in touch with our customer service team so we can help. If you've entered your card/bank account details, so it's also worth alerting your bank as well.

[Cleoriff]

Thanks @Chris_K . Extremely worrying.

[Chris_K]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

Thanks @Chris_K . Extremely worrying.

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It 100% is, though when customers are sent an OTAC code (more info here) it is delayed by around a minute because we send a 'pre-OTAC' warning SMS first, alerting customers that if someone got in touch with them asking for an OTAC code, to hang up because it's not O2.

We urge customers to keep themselves safe and to follow those instructions. Before receiving any OTAC code, the first SMS you receive is:

*FRAUD ALERT - MUST READ* Has someone called you and asked for a code? Hang up. They DO NOT work for O2 and are trying to commit fraud on your O2 account. Never give a one-time code to anyone who called you. Call us on 202 if you need help. If you requested a code yourself, we’ll be texting it to you shortly.

[jonsie]

These people are vermin but I would have hoped that the teecoms industry could do more

I think O2 should put that fraud alert highlighted in red on the My O2 landing page within the app and on line