Ontario Provincial Police are warning the public about a cellphone scam in which fraudsters pose as telecommunications representatives and offer free or heavily discounted devices.
Police say victims are contacted unexpectedly and persuaded to provide personal information or account credentials to process the supposed promotion. A cellphone is then financed in the victim’s name and delivered, but the fraudster later instructs the victim to surrender or ship the device elsewhere.
The OPP says promised discounts, credits or refunds never materialize, leaving victims responsible for the device payments while scammers keep the phone.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says warning signs include callers demanding passwords, PINs, security codes or multi-factor authentication information, or pressuring people to act quickly. Fraudsters may also request identification or direct victims to create accounts with another provider.
Police advise people to hang up and contact their cellphone provider using a verified number. Consumers should never share security codes or personal information during an unsolicited call, or ship an unexpected device to an address supplied by a caller.
Suspected fraud should be reported to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
(Richard Evans)
