📱 COLLINGWOOD OPP RAISE AWARENESS OF CELL PHONE FRAUD TREND
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(COLLINGWOOD, ON) – Members of the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are raising awareness of a fraud trend targeting individuals who have recently purchased new cell phones.
Officers have received reports of fraudsters contacting victims shortly after they purchase a new device. In some cases, the caller claims to be from the victim’s cellular provider and advises that the phone must be returned to complete the setup process. In other instances, the caller offers a discount or promotion and instructs the victim to return the device in order to receive the reduced price.
Believing the request to be legitimate, victims either mail the phone or hand it over to an individual for pickup. The device is never returned, leaving the victim without their new phone while the fraudsters obtain a brand-new device.
The OPP reminds the public to be cautious of any unsolicited calls, emails, text messages, or requests involving recently purchased electronics. If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent your cellular provider, independently contact the company using the phone number listed on your bill or the company’s official website to verify the request.
Taking a few moments to verify a promotion, discount, or service request can help prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam is encouraged to contact their local police service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Through awareness and prevention, the OPP continues to support residents in protecting themselves from becoming victims of fraud.
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