SCAMS come in all shapes and sizes making it increasingly challenging to tell the good and the bad apart.
But Virgin Media O2 has revealed the top five most common texts blocked on its network in March alone, as a warning to everyone.
Firms largely rely on firewall systems to block such messages from ever reaching people, but some manage to make it through the net.
The infamous “hi mum/dad” message comes out on top.
“Hi mum” texts tend to make out they’re your child who’s lost or broken their phone so need money.
Fake delivery texts come at number two, using well-known names like Royal Mail, DPD and Evri.
And bank or payment issues are the third most common blocked scam.
At number four it’s crypto or investment scams, followed by apparent debt write-offs at five.
These five account for more than 95 percent of scam messages blocked on Virgin Media O2’s network.
Anyone who receives a suspected scam text are urged to forward it onto the national reporting service 7726, for free.
This way experts can look into it and block the number, preventing anyone falling victim.
“We’re working relentlessly to stop fraudsters in their tracks, helping keep our customers safer by blocking millions of spam texts and calls every month,” said Liam Rawsthorne, Head of Fraud at Virgin Media O2.
“The five most common texts blocked on our network show just how sophisticated scammers are, with these criminals always looking for new ways to reach their victim by posing as the people and businesses we trust.
“Taking the time to stop and think before calling back or clicking through can make all the difference and, by forwarding on scam texts to 7726 for free, you can help spot new trends and tricks, so we can build even stronger defences.”
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