Fraud

[JAMD]

Hi

I am trying to contact 02 by phone to report a fraud. Each time I get the message no one is available at the time I called and to call back between 8 am to 9 pm. However, I was calling O2 just before 6 pm, do I should have got to talk to someone. So I am concerned my call is getting diverted. 

I called because I received a text from 02 saying that I requested an account change (email, security question etc) and to enter in a special code number. But I never requested it.

Then I received a phone call from someone claiming to be from 02 asking for this code. I didn't give that information because of a prior alert text saying to end that call as it could be a fraudster.

However not being able to talk to 02 within normal operating hours is a concern.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@JAMD 

Without the code they can not do anything, so you are safe.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud – whether it’s because you’ve given details to someone over the phone, or clicked on a link in a suspicious text or email there are things you can do:
Contact your bank if you think you may have given out financial information. They can help protect your account and stop transactions.
Change your account and online account passwords. Not just your O2 account. All of them.
Forward fraudulent texts to O2 for free on 7726.
Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Call your Virgin Media or O2 customer services number if you think somebody’s taken out a contract using your details.
Virgin Media customers can phone 150 from their landline or 0345 454 1111 from any other phone.
O2 customers can call 202 from their O2 phone or 0344 809 0202 from any other phone.

You can block the number that called you, or any number you think may be suspicious.

How to block a number:

https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062352/

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201229

There are also these links to look at:

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/safety-and-security/phishing-and-smishing-advice
https://www.o2.co.uk/help/safety-and-security/unwanted-calls-and-messages
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

[JAMD]

@MI5 

Thanks. Useful info!

Still a bit weird that I couldn't get through to 02 within normal operating hours but I'll try again tomorrow. Thanks. 

[MI5]

Although nothing has been published for today, opening times may be different to the norm due to the bank holiday @JAMD 

[JAMD]

I should have realised... Thanks!

I can see why they chose today to do this. Concurrently getting strange WhatsApp job offers that might be the same people offering remote online work. Probably from the same people trying to get ID info.

Thanks again

[MI5]

You're welcome @JAMD 

Stay safe.