Northumberland OPP are warning residents of an increase in fraud incidents, where people’s cell phone accounts are compromised and new devices are ordered.
Fraudsters posing as representatives from major phone companies offer enticing “exclusive deals” like 40% off phone plans or free devices for “loyal customers.” Victims are asked for sensitive details such as their PINs which are sent to an email or phone for the victims to verify and as a result, the victims’ accounts are compromised.
Once the account is compromised, the scammer will order phones for the victim, and then claim to the victim the devices were sent in error, and request they be sent to a third party or location.
These scams are designed to exploit vulnerabilities in account recovery and the victims’ goodwill, in order to steal new phones and devices, while sticking the victim with the bill.
Police are reminding residents to use strong passwords, never share account details over the phone, and if a caller seems suspicious, talk to a company associate in store.
