Peterborough Police are warning residents about a new scam that can leave victims responsible for thousands of dollars in new phones and devices.
The service’s Fraud Unit says it has received several reports in recent weeks involving what police are calling the “Phone Provider Agent Scam.”
Police say victims receive calls or text messages from people posing as representatives of legitimate cellphone providers. The scammers offer discounts or deals on new phones and other devices, often creating pressure to act immediately.
As part of the supposed offer, victims are asked to provide personal information and answer security questions under the guise of identity verification.
Police say the information allows scammers to access the victim’s legitimate cellphone account and purchase new phones or devices without their knowledge. Those products are then shipped by the real cellphone provider to the victim’s home.
Once the devices arrive, the scammers contact the victim again and claim the wrong phone or model was shipped.
The victim is then provided with what appears to be a return shipping label and instructed to send the device back. Instead, police say the phone is sent to the scammer, who can then sell it while the victim remains responsible for the cost.
Police are also reminding residents that scammers can use “spoofing” technology to make a call appear to be coming from the legitimate phone number of a cellphone provider.
Anyone who receives an unexpected or high-pressure offer is advised to end the call and contact their cellphone provider directly using a verified number.
Residents who believe they have been targeted or victimized by a scam are encouraged to report it to Peterborough Police.
