The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning residents about a cellphone service provider scam after receiving reports from across the East Region.
In this scam, fraudsters pose as representatives of legitimate cellphone service providers and contact potential victims with offers such as discounts, upgraded plans or new devices.
Once they have gained the victim’s trust, the fraudsters may remain on the phone while directing the victim to log in to their legitimate cellphone account. They then request account details, passwords, security codes or other personal information.
In some cases, fraudsters convince victims to open an account with a different service provider and obtain a new cellphone or tablet. Victims may be asked to provide identification, such as a driver’s licence or Social Insurance Number (SIN), to complete the transaction.
After the device is delivered, the fraudster may claim that the wrong item was shipped and instruct the victim to send it to another address.
Victims can then be left responsible for the cost of the devices and any associated account charges.
Warning signs
The OPP is reminding residents to be cautious if they receive an unsolicited call, text message or email offering a discount, upgraded plan or new device. Other warning signs include being pressured to act immediately or being told an offer is available for a limited time, being asked to log in to a cellphone account while the caller remains on the line, being asked for an account password, PIN, security code or multi-factor authentication code, being asked to provide personal identification, including a driver’s licence or SIN, being encouraged to open an account with another service provider, receiving a cellphone or tablet and being instructed to send it to a different address, and being given an address that does not match the verified address of the service provider.
How to protect yourself
The OPP advises anyone contacted by someone claiming to represent their cellphone provider to end the call and contact the company directly.
Residents should use the telephone number listed on their bill, account documentation or the company’s official website rather than relying on contact information provided by the caller.
People should never share passwords, PINs, security codes or multi-factor authentication codes with an unexpected caller. Personal or financial information should also not be provided during an unsolicited call, text message or email.
Residents should avoid logging into their accounts while being guided by an unknown caller. Before opening a new account or accepting a device, they should verify the offer directly with their service provider.
Anyone who receives a cellphone or tablet they did not order should contact the service provider immediately and confirm the proper return process. Residents should never ship a device to an address provided by an unknown caller.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scam is advised to contact their financial institution immediately and report the incident to their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Suspected fraud or incidents of fraud can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through its Fraud Reporting System or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
