Wiltshire Police warn of scammers selling fake mobile phone contracts
Fraudsters are cold calling residents
Wiltshire Police have issued a warning to locals about a new mobile phone scam that is offering them upgrades and new contracts that don't exist.
Fraudsters are cold calling individuals and impersonating staff of mobile network operators and suppliers.
Victims are offered early handset upgrades, or new contracts, at significant discounts.
Once customers have been convinced that the deals are genuine and agree to proceed, suspects then ask for their online mobile account credentials, including log-ins, address and bank account details.
Suspects then place orders with genuine companies on behalf of victims, however select a different handset to that requested and have it shipped to the customer's address.
Upon receipt, suspects assure victims that this has been an error and instruct them to 'return' the handset to a different address not affiliated to the mobile company.
These addresses are usually residential. Upon intercepting the 'returned' handsets, the suspects cease contact and victims find themselves stuck with no phone and liable for the entirety of a new contract taken out in their name.
WILTSHIRE POLICE ADVICE
- Only contact your mobile network provider on a number you know to be correct. For example, 191 for Vodafone customers, 150 for EE customers, 333 for Three customers, 202 for O2 customers, 4455 for Tesco Mobile, 789 for Virgin Mobile and 150 for Sky Mobile.
- If you receive a device that you did not order or expect, contact the genuine sender immediately. The details for this will be within the parcel.
- NEVER post a device directly to a given address. All genuine Mobile Network Operators would send out a jiffy bag for you to return without you incurring additional cost.
- If you're unsure that the person calling you is an official representative of the company they claim to be from, hang up and do not reveal any personal information.
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We want people to be extra careful when buying a new phone or upgrading their contract.
"If you're unsure that the person calling you is an official representative of the company they claim to be from, hang up and do not reveal any personal information.
"It's better to check and be certain rather than fall foul of a fraud. There are a number of checks you can make to reduce the chances of being scammed."
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.