A deal on a new cellphone can quickly turn into an expensive mistake, with Vancouver Island residents losing thousands of dollars in a scam that leaves them without the device and stuck with the bill. Sidney and North Saanich RCMP say victims have collectively lost more than $33,000 in recent weeks after fraudsters exploited what appeared to be legitimate phone upgrade offers. Police are urging residents to take extra care before sharing personal details or sending a device back to a supposed telecommunications provider. The scam often begins with an unexpected call from someone claiming to represent a familiar cellphone company. The caller offers a free upgrade, a loyalty perk or a deal that seems too good to pass up. “Victims provided personal information to update or establish an account. Shortly afterwards, one or more mobile devices were delivered to the victim’s residence,” Cst. Benje Bartley, media relations officer with Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, said in a release. That’s when the situation takes a costly turn. The caller gets back in touch, claiming the phone was shipped by mistake and needs to be returned. The victim receives what appears to be a prepaid shipping label or QR code to send the device back. But the return package is not necessarily going where the victim thinks it is. “The shipping label redirects the package to the suspect,” Bartley said. The victim is left without the device, while still facing the contract, monthly payments or financing arrangement attached to it. How to avoid the scam Police advise residents to be wary of unexpected calls promising free devices, special upgrades or exclusive rewards. Do not share personal or account information with an unverified caller, even if the person sounds professional or claims to work for a recognized company. “Hang up and independently verify the information before taking any action,” Bartley said. The same caution applies to returns. Before shipping a phone, verify the instructions directly with the provider rather than relying on a label, QR code or link supplied by the caller. RCMP also suggests checking phone bills, financing agreements and financial accounts regularly to help spot suspicious activity. What to do if you are targeted Anyone who suspects they have been caught in the scheme should contact their telecommunications provider immediately and notify local police. Fraud can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through its website at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. A few minutes spent checking with the company directly could prevent a costly mistake.
