O2 issues warning over phone call and text that could drain your bank account

O2 customers have been urged to be aware of scammers who are trying to steal personal details by offering bogus “discounts” on your phone bill.

The fraudsters try to lure you in by calling you up and claiming you’re eligible for 30% or more off your bill.

They then send you a text with a one-time passcode and ask that you read it back to them – but don’t do this.

O2 has confirmed this is a scam and it would never ask you to read back a one-time passcode.

The text with the passcode will come from an O2 UK number – which makes it harder to see this is a scam – as the fraudster has used the O2 website to claim you have forgotten your login details.

The scammer will then use the passcode you’ve given them over the phone to gain access to your account.

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If a fraudster gets hold of this code, they may be able to order a new phone in your name.

You could then end up being charged for the device until you can report it as fraud, and by that point the fraudster has the handset.

In the text message you receive before the code arrives, it states: “If someone’s calling you and asking for a code, please end the call because they DO NOT work from O2.”

You should only use a one-time passcode that you’ve requested yourself – for example, if you’ve forgotten the password to your online account.

I’ve had three of these calls in the last week – so be aware of this type of scam doing the rounds.

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Liam Rawsthorne, Head of Fraud at Virgin Media O2 said: “At Virgin Media O2, we’re constantly investing to help better protect our customers from scams but unfortunately, we know that full-time fraudsters are always looking for new ways to target our customers.

“If you receive a call offering a deal or significant discount on your mobile contract that sounds too good to be true, it probably is – so taking a moment to pause is always the best course of action.

“Our staff will never pressure you into accepting a deal right then and there or call you to ask for your one-time passcode over the phone so never share it with an unexpected caller, no matter how legitimate they seem.

“When in doubt, always clam up, hang up and call us back. Our offers will never have a five-minute time limit, so you won’t miss out on any genuine deals – but you might just swerve the scammers.”

What to do if you think you've been scammed

If you think you've been called by a scammer, never reveal your personal details.

Hang up immediately and search for the contact details online of the place you're supposedly being called from.

Never call back the number provided by the caller.

If you think a scammer has got hold of your bank details, contact your bank straight away.

You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank.

You should also change any passwords that may have been compromised.

Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website.

If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website.

You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.

For scam emails, forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you've received a scam text message, you can forward it to 7726 for free.

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