The UK’s major mobile providers, including Vodafone, EE and Three, have been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government in 2021.
Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on “faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient” 4G and 5G networks.
The media and telecommunications company began its 3G switch-off programme in April last year, with it scheduled to conclude in late 2025/early 2026.
As we prepare to switch off our 3G network in the coming weeks, our CTO, Jeanie York, reflects on how customer mobile data usage has evolved over the years & why investing in 4G and 5G networks is so important.
👉 Read Jeanie’s insights here: https://t.co/C78U6zgiz1 pic.twitter.com/58EyInbMo6
— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) December 18, 2025
Virgin Media O2 warns customers about new scam email
Scammers have taken advantage of Virgin Media O2’s recent 3G switch-off by sending emails to customers affected by the programme in an attempt to steal their money.
The scam email has the subject line: “Alert: Switch to Your New 5G SIM for a Faster, Stronger Network.”
It features official-style branding and claims a SIM card upgrade is required.
Virgin Media O2 has warned customers to “not engage” with these emails and to contact the company right away.
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, scammers will stop at nothing to target victims, including trying to exploit the 3G switch‑off programme for their own financial gain.
“If you receive an email out of the blue and have doubts about whether it’s genuine, the best thing to do is not engage and instead call us on 202 from your O2 phone.
“Our teams will be happy to support any customer who does need to upgrade to a 4G or 5G handset to retain access to mobile connectivity, as many customers have already done.”
The spokesperson continued: “We’re working hard to protect our customers; however, we’re calling on everyone to play their part by reporting suspicious calls and texts for free to 7726, and forwarding dodgy Virgin Media O2 emails to phishing@virginmediao2.co.uk.
“In doing so, we can investigate and help shut down scams quickly.”
How to stay safe from 3G switch-off scam emails
Virgin Media O2 has issued advice on how to avoid being caught out by this new 3G switch-off scam email:
- Be cautious of unexpected emails asking you to update details or take urgent action (especially if they don’t include your name or any personal information)
- Check the sender’s full email address, not just the display name, to spot misspellings or unusual domains.
- Avoid clicking any links in suspicious emails.
Customers are also urged to report any suspect activity.
You can forward scam texts or call details for free to 7726 or pass on phishing emails to phishing@virginmediao2.co.uk.
Virgin Media O2 has already blocked more than one billion scam messages to date, thanks in part to reports made to 7726.
Legitimate information about Virgin Media O2’s 3G switch-off can be found on the official website.
Top 5 most common scam calls to be aware of
In November 2024, Virgin Media O2, in partnership with Hiya, launched Call Defence – an AI tool aimed at detecting scam or spam calls.
Since its launch, Call Defence has detected more than one billion suspected scam and spam calls to Virgin Media O2 customers.
Around 70 million calls every month are being labelled as suspected scam or spam.
New data from Virgin Media O2 and Hiya has revealed the five most common scam calls being used in 2026:
- Amazon : Scammers impersonate Amazon customer support, claiming there’s an issue with an order or a fraudulent purchase. Their goal is to trick victims into providing account credentials or credit card information, often by urging them to verify details or resolve a fake problem
- HMRC : Both live and prerecorded robocalls threatening legal action for unpaid taxes.
- Banking : A fraudster phones a potential victim claiming to be from their bank’s fraud team, security team, or customer service. Their goal is to trick them into handing over sensitive information, granting access to their accounts, or transferring money to them “to keep it safe”.
- Payment services – VISA : Scammers claim there is a fraudulent charge or an issue processing a payment. Their goal is to trick victims into providing credit card information (under the guise of resolving the problem).
- Insurance : Scammers impersonate insurance providers, claiming policy issues, missed payments, or a new claim that requires urgent action. Their objective is to pressure victims into sharing personal details or payment information.
Have you been targeted by the new Virgin Media O2 3G switch-off scam email? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
