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Like many parts of the world, Canada has recently experienced a significant boom in technology and communication, particularly when it comes to the cell phone industry. Unfortunately, this progress, coupled with the accessibility of online shopping and delivery services has also led to an alarming rise in scams and identity theft.
For instance, a common scam that’s now popping up all over the country is the “cell phone delivery scam”.
These days, it’s important to think about your transactions before you make them. If a product or purchase seems like it’s not 100% legitimate, it’s usually safer to go with your gut and stay away from it altogether.
The cell phone scam involves one of those questionable situations, which can make it easy, yet difficult to spot at the same time. This is how the scam typically starts:
A delivery person appears at your door with a package containing a new cell phone. The person delivering the cell phone will be a legitimate delivery man. Problem is, you never bought a phone but you sign for it anyway, in case you made an order you forgot about or because it may belong to your spouse or family member.
After some time, the scammer will come to your door posing as the delivery service. They’ll explain that they’ve been sent to take the cell phone back, stating that there was an error at the packaging depot. Since no one at your household actually ordered the phone, you sign another information sheet and return it. No harm, no foul.
In some cases, the scammer will stalk your home until the delivery man tries to make the delivery. These scammers will try to intercept the delivery before it comes to your door. They’ll often have a fake ID with your information and will try to take the package straight from the delivery man.
The reason the cell phone scam is so devious is because it uses the reputation and authority of the postal service. If a man in uniform comes by your door stating the package you just received was an error, most people believe it. But when you return the package, you’ve just unknowingly given away a high-value phone or multiple phones (often the package will have multiple phones), which can cost thousands of dollars.
Most scammers get ahold of your personal and financial details, like your bank account and credit card numbers through fraudulent means. They then use those details to buy a cell phone using your identity. They may even create a new bank or credit card account in your name to do so. Then, they simply need to collect the package from you and stick you with the bill.
Falling victim to a scam could result in a major financial loss, as well as severe damage to your credit report. So, if you receive a cell phone or other expensive item that you don’t recall ordering, there are a few safety measures you should take, including:
Remember, cell phones and other delivery-based scams are done by stealing your information and using it to purchase things in your name. So, the best way to bypass this kind of risk is to protect your personal and financial information using these tactics:
Being scammed in any way can ruin your credit, drain your bank account and lead to unending stress, so it’s always essential to look before you leap. For example, if a cell phone or other suspicious package suddenly gets delivered to your home, it’s probably better to turn it down. If you’ve already been scammed victim, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center to file a report.
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