Suspected Spam Call - for the past 2 days

[Curlycurls93]

Has anyone else had a call from an O2 staff member offering a 40% discount due to their drop in customers because of COVID-19?  They sent me text messages which looked a little like this and was sent from "O2 UK":

"*Security Warning*

The one-time code you requested will arrive shortly.  If someone's calling you and asking for the code, please end the call because they do not work for O2.  If you suspect fraud call us on 202 so we can protect your account."

Second Text:

"*Be alert to fraud* NEVER share this code, including with O2 Staff.  Help us protect your O2 Account.  To retrieve your O2 Account enter code: ****."

The person at the other end of the phone asked for the code provided to me so they could give me the discount.  I didn't give the person who called any codes or details, and told them I would get in touch with O2 if I wanted a 40% discount on my bill.  However what I cannot understand is if this is fraud or a scam how have they managed to impersonate O2 and send the texts from O2 UK.  Wondering if even O2 can shed any light on this, or if anyone has experienced this too.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Curlycurls93 

It's a well known scam.
Block the number and report it free to 7726.
DO NOT follow any links or enter any information.
O2 advice here https://www.o2.co.uk/help/safety-and-security/phishing-and-smishing-advice
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
How to block a number:
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062352/
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201229
O2 never text from a mobile number.

[MI5]

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@Curlycurls93 wrote:

However what I cannot understand is if this is fraud or a scam how have they managed to impersonate O2 and send the texts from O2 UK.  Wondering if even O2 can shed any light on this, or if anyone has experienced this too.

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To answer this part, they enter your email address into MyO2 and then hit password reset which automatically generates a genuine code which is sent to your phone.

The code should only ever be entered into a website yourself if you have requested one.

Never in any other circumstances.

[gmarkj]

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@Curlycurls93 wrote:

However what I cannot understand is if this is fraud or a scam how have they managed to impersonate O2 and send the texts from O2 UK.  Wondering if even O2 can shed any light on this, or if anyone has experienced this too.

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They are not o2.

Number spoofing (calling from 1 number while pretending to be another) is relatively easy given the correct software and a lack of morals.

What they are trying to do is gain access to your account @Curlycurls93.

Once they have this they can order a new phone, to be delivered to their address, which they can then sell on for cash.

You are then stuck with the bill...

Well done for not falling for this!

[Biscuit]

I just received a call from a mobile number  074275816027 telling me it was from o2 and I can have 20% off my next bill, so be aware