SCAM SMS from VIRGIN MONEY re:registration of new device? Do not call 02070361903 - it's not them!

1957DfurdPensionist

Just wasted 10 minutes trying to do the right thing having received this slippery bank impersonation text coupled with an equally slippery bank impersonation automated telephone service on the 02070361903 suggested in the text if I didn't recognise an attempt to register a new device:

VIRGIN MONEY
You have registered a
new device for Mobile
Banking on 24-06-25. If
you DO NOT recognise,
call us now on 020 7036
1903

I became suspicious because although the automated Virgin Money answer, and the call redirection options sounded normal, the wait music was cråp and there was no automated apology for keeping me waiting.

Sure enough on Google I unearthed reports that this number is apparently registered to Spitfire Network Services Limited which ain't Virgin, and that the number has been reportedly used for bank fraud purposes! I wonder if their directors are aware

Reports also suggest it has been used to impersonate Barclays Fraud Team.

This text is another crafty setup potentially getting well meaning individuals to call perhaps with their guard well down, thinking they can safely share personal data with whoever answers. 

Emmia

The answer to avoid this is not to call the number listed in the text message (or click on links). Look on the back of your card for the number or use a chat/message function offered either online or in the app for your bank.

The guardian had this article yesterday about scam texts being sent via a "blaster". As a result of the article I've disabled 2G on my phone, to avoid receiving them via this route.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jun/24/police-sms-scams-blaster-texts-smishing?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Eyeful

How did you waste 10 mins on this scam?

It took just 1min to paste this phone number in to "who called me" to show it up as a scam number.

PRAISETHESUN

Best practice is to call the bank from a known good number - either the number listed on the bank of your card, or a contact number from their website. Never call the number listed in a text message, especially if you suspect it is a scam number!

singhini

@1957DfurdPensionist
Thanks for the heads-up, much appreciated.

flaneurs_lobster

Emmia said:

The guardian had this article yesterday about scam texts being sent via a "blaster". As a result of the article I've disabled 2G on my phone, to avoid receiving them via this route.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jun/24/police-sms-scams-blaster-texts-smishing?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

That was pretty eye-opening, inserting SMS messages directly into your phone without them troubling the mobile networks at all, like old-school war-driving but instead of looking for open wi-fi networks you are broadcasting dodgy texts to any phone that will listen.

grumpy_codger

What surprises me is that after 3 days this landline number wasn't shut down.

Theleak250

I never call any number provided in a text. Even when I had fraud on my account. I received a text asking did I make a payment, then someone called and I put the phone down and called the bank back. 

One time HSBC called me asking if I had written a cheque. I had, but they wanted me to confirm my details and I told them I’m not giving you anything until I call back, when I did call back they couldn’t direct me back to the team and the cheque was blocked. Terrible system.