Everyone using Virgin Media broadband given 'critical' warning and 6 rules to follow

Virgin Media has just issued a new warning to millions of customers, and it's not something anyone should ignore. The latest alert has been raised in a bid to help users avoid being tricked by the rise in phone scams, with Virgin Media saying its brand is often used by crooks to steal personal data.

"Every day, people receive calls that appear to be from us," Virgin explained.

"Fraudsters are increasingly using spoofed numbers to impersonate Virgin Media and try to trick you. So even if the number calling you appears genuine, it’s critical to know the warning signs of a scam call."

Cyber thieves are always looking for ways to gain access to bank accounts, emails and more and it seems using the old-fashioned phone is becoming an increasingly popular method.

As Virgin has confirmed, the hackers have become so smart that sometimes it can even appear as if the call is coming from a real Virgin number.

Anyone concerned by this new threat should now follow six new rules to make sure they don't become the next victim of a cyber attack.

Virgin says the first this to watch out for is an unexpected call.

"Be cautious," the company advises.

"If a call about your account or a service issue comes out of the blue and you weren’t expecting it, it could be a scam. Don’t feel pressured to continue and hang up.

"Scammers often rely on surprise to catch people off guard and pressure them into acting quickly."

It’s critical to know the warning signs of a scam call

The next red alert is if you get asked for a full password or PIN number via phone call.

Like all legitimate firms, Virgin will next ask for this information to be disclosed, and if someone asks for it, beware.

Along with asking for personal data, Virgin also says it's vital not to be pressured into revealing any personal data.

"Scammers often use urgency and fear to catch you off guard, for example, saying your service will be cut off or your account is compromised. These tactics are designed to pressure you into making hasty decisions or sharing personal information."

Other things to note include being asked for remote access to your device and if the personal on the call sounds robotic, overly scripted or unprofessional.

Finally, whenever you receive a call from an unfamiliar number claiming to be from Virgin Media, always cross-reference unknown numbers with trusted sources like Who-Called.co.uk.

This is where users report and review suspicious calls, or check discussions on our Community Forums, where people like you share their experiences.

If you follow these rules and take care, you should be safe.