02UK TEXT SCAM - Beware

[Anonymous]

Ive just been charged £18.32 (ex vat) for clicking on to a link from a text message I received from 02UK, I don't usually click on these links but it actually used my name in the greeting and not the usual "dear O2 customer" that most scams use
After clicking on the link in the text message it took me to the O2 website, I was still a bit unsure at this point so I clicked on "my O2" this then showed me the log in page, but I had ticked the box that says "remember my details" all my details were already there! At this point I came off the page only to be sent another text message 55 minutes later saying I'd used 30% of my international data! Hence the charge of £18.32
My partner also got the same text message but didn't click on the link
A few points concern me
How did they know my name
Why haven't O2 sent texts out warning about this

[Anonymous]

Hi

What a nighmare.

Report it asap to customer services.

http://www.o2.co.uk/help/everything-else/unwanted-calls-and-messages

[Anonymous]

There have been a few posts about scams including your name - maybe O2 has been hacked at some point, but kept it quiet? Maybe a good rule of thumb maybe is ignore any communications preporting to be from o2 unless you are positive of it's authenticity. 

[Cleoriff Level 94: Supreme]

As @Toby  was involved in the scam thread from last night..I have mentioned him in this one...seems to be the time of year for new contracts etc..

Here is the link from the other thread..

http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Discussions-Feedback/02UK-scam-being-sent-to-pay-monthly-customers/td-p...

[Anonymous]

I've spoke to customer services as soon as it opened this morning, they said that they are going to get someone to investigate it and could take up to 3 days to get a reply and that I should go see a guru at the O2 store

[Toby]

Hi Gary,

I'm Toby, the community coordinator.
Sorry to hear this and you did the right thing by reprting it to customer services. Do let us know how you get on.

This goes to everyone - if you hear about anyone receiving such messages, do ask them to send me a private message.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
I've spoke to customer services as soon as it opened this morning, they said that they are going to get someone to investigate it and could take up to 3 days to get a reply and that I should go see a guru at the O2 store

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I hope this is resolved speedily for you.

Please let us know how you get on.

[Cleoriff Level 94: Supreme]

I think this is so worrying. And a new twist on an old scam....Thing is it is coming up to the New Year...many people are due for an upgrade or a change of tariff...and these texts and emails seem to be targetting them.

Its ok to say 'ignore them' but they are coming in with O2UK on them and very easy for people to think it IS O2..

I am due to change my contract this month...be interesting to see if anyone contacts me 

[Anonymous]

If they are timed for renewals etc how have the scammers got this info?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

If they are timed for renewals etc how have the scammers got this info?

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As upgrades happen throughout the year im guessing they are chancing their arm by mass sending out. And perhaps due to the time of year people are less on guard due to the festivities