Collingwood OPP are warning about a new fradulent phone scam – and it’s not what you think…
The scam rests in targeting individuals who have recently purchased new cell phones.
Police say they’ve received several 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 says 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.
OPP are warning people to be very wary of unsolicited calls, texts or emails.