Virgin Media O2 UK Claims 1.8 Million over-65s Have Fallen for Online Scams

Broadband and mobile giant Virgin Media and O2 has this morning published new research, which claims to reveal that more than 1.8 million people over the age of 65 have been scammed online in the past year, with the average victim losing £831. In response, they’re launching a free Scam Schools programme with sessions “across the UK” to help Brits get safer online.

According to a new Censuswide survey of 3,004 UK respondents (1,004 of which were aged 65+), which was commissioned by VMO2, some 55% of respondents fear their older relatives could lose their life savings to fraudsters and 39% are not confident that they could spot a scam. Unsurprisingly, some 73% believe vulnerable older people are being deliberately targeted by scammers.

Latest Scam Messages in Circulation Today

VMO2 highlights some of the latest scam messages currently being identified through their network.

• Criminals posing as banks or HMRC 

• BARCLAYS BANK: A suspected fraudulent attempt for 199.99 has been made. If this was not you, respond N. 

• ThinkMoney: Transfer of 329.99 to HMRC ROAD TAX on hold. We would need to verify this activity. If it was not you, call us on X

• Bogus winter fuel or pension support offers 

• DWP official reminder: 
  According to DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) records, you have not submitted an application for the 2024-2025 Winter Heating Allowance, or the application information submitted previously is incorrect. To ensure that you can receive the ¬£300 allowance, please complete the application before July 3, 2025. 
  If you fail to submit an application before the deadline, you will lose your eligibility for this allowance. Please act now and complete the application through the following link:  

• Fake investment and pension schemes 

• Hope you’re well. If facing difficulties, I hope this helps. and I sincerely invite you to join our Stock Wealth group.  
  WHATSAPP LINK REMOVED 

• This smart investing system can make you 8-15% monthly returns. 
  Sign-up how: LINK REMOVED

• Parcel delivery scams  

• EVRI: Nobody answered when our driver attempted to deliver your parcel. Please Visit X to schedule a redelivery. 

• Impersonation scams where criminals pose as children or grandchildren 

• Hi dad save my new number x 

Such fears have even driven 29% of respondents to tell loved ones to stay offline to avoid being tricked, while 60% have taken on online tasks for their family members, such as managing banking or financial services (22%), paying household bills (21%), and booking medical appointments (20%). 

On the flip side, the data shows that 40% say the fear of being scammed prevents older relatives and friends living life to the fullest, while 45% agree it stops them enjoying simple things online (shopping, banking, or staying in touch with family) and 42% say they feel guilty they can’t do more to keep their older relatives safe online. 

When asked about the scams they fear could most easily trick older people, respondents pointed to familiar – and increasingly sophisticated – tactics, including:  

• Criminals posing as banks or HMRC (80%) 

• Phishing texts and emails carrying unsafe links (79%) 

• Fraudsters posing as tech support (76%) 

• Parcel delivery scams (76%) 

• Bogus winter fuel or pension support offers (74%) 

• Fake investment and pension schemes (73%) 

• Social media competition or giveaway scams (68%) 

• Impersonation scams where criminals pose as children or grandchildren (65%) 

• Romance scams (59%) 

The network operator has today responded to this by teaming up with the Good Things Foundation to launch a series of free “scam schools” across the UK, which are designed to help Brits swerve the scammers and get online safely.

Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud Prevention at VMO2, said:

“Scammers are becoming ever more convincing and anyone can fall victim. From fake investment opportunities to messages claiming to be from trusted banks or delivery companies, fraudsters are always changing their tactics. Worryingly, it’s often-older people who are most at risk.

At Virgin Media O2, we’re committed to keeping people safe online by blocking millions of fraudulent texts before they reach our customers, and by helping communities build the skills and confidence they need to spot and avoid scams. Scam School is the latest example of how we’re stepping up to protect people from fraud – because everybody deserves to feel safe online and to use the internet to make the most of every day.”

Unfortunately, there are only a few of these scam school events occurring, and seemingly only in England. People can find out more, and sign-up to existing, or new sessions, here.  

Scam School Dates and Locations

Smartlytes – Birmingham – 21st October 2025

Ladywell Unit – Lewisham – 22nd October 2025

Formby Library – Liverpool – 22nd October 2025

Whitley Community Development Association – Reading – 29th October 2025

FareShare Midlands – Birmingham – 28th October 2025

Delamere School – Manchester – 17th November 2025