OPP warns public about cellphone service provider fraud
By West Northumberland Independent staff
OPP officers across the province are currently investigating multiple cases of cellphone service provider fraud and are reminding the public to remain cautious of unsolicited phone calls.
Police said fraudsters are impersonating telecommunications company representatives and contacting people with offers of a free or heavily discounted cellphone as part of a promotional program. Callers are persuading people to accept the offer and provide the information required to process the order, explained police.
“Once the device is delivered, the victim discovers that the device was financed under their own account and that they are responsible for the associated payments,” said OPP. “The fraudsters then instruct the victim to return, surrender or transfer the phone to a third party due to an alleged error so they can fix the financing issue and apply the promotional offer properly.”
Police said the promised refunds, account credits or promotional benefits are never received.
“As a result, victims are left financially responsible for the financed device while the fraudsters retain possession of the phone.”
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is offering tips to help prevent people from falling victim to this type of fraud. It begins with recognizing the warning signs, reiterated officials.
One sign is an unexpected call, text message or email offering a discount, upgraded plan or new device. The person pressures the victim to act quickly or says the offer is only available for a limited time.
The caller asks victims to log in to their cellphone account while the caller stays on the line. He or she then requests the account password, security code, PIN or multi-factor authentication code.
The caller then asks the victim to provide a driver’s licence, social insurance number or other identification. They are told to open an account with a different service provider.
They then receive a cellphone or tablet and are told to send it to an address provided by the caller. The return address is different from the verified address of the service provider.
To avoid falling victim to a scam, people should be cautious of a caller claiming to be from their cellphone service provider, end the call and contact the company directly. Use the telephone number on a phone bill, account or the company’s official website.
Do not use contact information provided by the caller.
Never share passwords, PINs, security codes or multi-factor authentication codes.
Do not provide personal or financial information during an unexpected call, text message or email, said police.
People should also avoid logging into their account while an unknown caller is on the line.
Before opening a new account or accepting a device, confirm the offer directly with the service provider.
If people receive a device they didn’t order, they’re asked to contact the service provider directly and confirm the correct return process.
Never ship a cellphone or tablet to an address provided by an unknown caller, noted police.
“The OPP urges individuals and businesses to remain vigilant to instances of fraud. Remember to carefully verify and confirm the legitimacy of any information before following through, even if it appears to come from a trusted source.”
People who suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, should report it immediately to their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or via reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.
To learn more about fraud prevention and how to stay safe, people can also visit www.opp.ca/fraud and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online.
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