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South Simcoe Police are warning residents about an increase in scams involving fraudsters impersonating telecommunications companies and offering free or discounted phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Police say victims may receive unsolicited calls from someone claiming to represent companies such as Rogers or Fido. The caller may arrange for devices to be delivered, then later claim there is a problem and instruct the victim to return the items or hand them over to a courier. Victims can then discover unauthorized charges on their accounts, while the devices are gone.
Police remind residents that caller ID can be spoofed, so an incoming call that appears legitimate may not be.
Residents are advised to independently verify unexpected promotions using the phone number on their bill or the company’s official website, and never provide personal, banking or account information to an unsolicited caller.
Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted should contact their service provider directly and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
