New phones, potentially worth thousands of dollars, are lost as B.C. victims duped by mail scam
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RCMP on Vancouver Island are urging the public to double check who they are dealing with after uncovering a scam around the return of newly purchased cellphones.
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Victims, who have recently received a new cellphone through a legitimate wireless provider, are contacted by someone claiming to represent their service provider and told that they’ve been sent the wrong phone.
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They are supplied with a prepaid shipping label sent by email and directed to return the device, and, believing the request to be legitimate, willingly ship their phones.
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Sunrise
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But the package is delivered to an unauthorized address instead of their service provider, resulting in the loss of the phone.
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“These scammers can be convincing and often have information that makes the request appear legitimate,” said Const. Tessa McDonald of North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
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“If you are contacted and asked to return a recently purchased phone, take the time to verify the request directly with your provider before sending anything.”
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Apart from contacting your service provider directly to confirm the request and address, always be cautious about any unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages regarding a recent phone purchase, and never provide personal or account information unless you have verified who you are dealing with.
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Anyone who believes they have fallen prey to this scam can call the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP non-emergency line at (250) 748-5522.
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