OPP officials allege: Ontario Provincial Police are warning the public about a new fraud scam being reported across the province that targets individuals through fraudulent cell phone upgrade offers.
In the scam, fraudsters pose as representatives of legitimate telecommunications companies such as Rogers, Bell or Telus. They contact victims and tell them they are eligible for a free or low-cost upgrade to their cell phone, and to process the offer, the fraudster requests personal information, which the victim provides believing the offer is legitimate.
After the victim receives a new cell phone, the fraudster contacts them again, claiming the wrong device was shipped by mistake, and instructs the victim to return the phone using shipping information the fraudster provides. Victims then send the phone to the fraudster while believing they are returning the device to the telecommunications company.
Police say the victim may end up responsible for the cost of the device, associated service charges, or additional fraudulent activity on their account.
OPP say people should be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails or text messages offering free or heavily discounted device upgrades, and should never provide personal or account information unless they have independently verified the identity of the caller. Anyone who receives an unexpected upgrade offer is urged to hang up and contact their telecommunications provider directly using the number listed on their bill or the company’s official website. Police also advise that anyone who receives a device they did not request, or who is asked to return a device, should confirm the request directly with their service provider before taking any action, and should monitor their telecommunications and financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of this scam is asked to report it to their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Police say anyone whose personal or financial information has been compromised should contact their telecommunications provider and financial institution immediately to secure their accounts. OPP are encouraging the public to share the warning with family members and friends, particularly seniors and others who may be targeted by fraudsters.
