Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is warning the public about an ongoing mobile carrier scam.
Modus Operandi: In this fraud, the suspects contact victims claiming to represent their mobile provider. They may offer a free or discounted phone, an upgrade, or another promotion that sounds legitimate.
They convince the victim to provide personal or account information, authorize a transaction, or place an order.
The suspects will then order several devices or accessories from the victims account to the victim’s residence.
After the order is placed, the suspects will contact the victim again, claiming there has been a mistake or that the wrong product was sent. The victim is instructed to return any products using a courier or shipping label provided by the suspect.
The devices are then sent to an unauthorized recipient, leaving the victim responsible for all associated costs.
“These scams can be very convincing. Suspects may already have personal or account information and may use phone numbers, email addresses or documents that appear legitimate to the victim,” said the police alert.
It said residents can follow a few simple ways to protect themselves:
- Be cautious of unsolicited promotions or unexpected offers, particularly if you’re being pressured to act quickly.
- If you’re unsure about an offer, stop the conversation and contact your mobile provider directly using the contact information on its official website, mobile app or your account documentation.
- Before returning any phone, tablet or other device, independently confirm the return instructions and shipping destination with your provider.
- Regularly review your mobile account and immediately report any orders or transactions you did not make or authorize.
Police reminded everyone not to give out personal information, credit card information, or account passwords to anyone unless you can verify they are a legitimate employee of your mobile carrier.
If you have received a call that appears fraudulent, or you have been victimized, contact police and report the incident as soon as possible.
DRPS encourages everyone to speak to their loved ones about fraud prevention and remind them that when in doubt, call 211. For fraud prevention tips visit.
By staying informed, taking a moment to verify unexpected offers, and looking out for one another, we can help prevent fraud in our community, police said.