Increase in reports of mobile phone upgrade scam

We have seen an increase in reports of a scam where victims are being contacted by someone purporting to be from their mobile phone company, offering a good deal for a phone upgrade.

Following the phone call, the scammer will access the victim’s mobile phone account and order a new phone on their contract.

Once the phone is delivered to the victim, they are contacted and told there has been a mistake and the phone needs to be returned.

Once posted, the phone is then received by the fraudsters or sent to an assistant to avoid detection, leaving the victim with the contract for the new upgraded phone.

There has also been reports where scammers have attended the victim’s house claiming to be couriers and asking for the phone back, explaining it was delivered by mistake.

Over the weekend, a woman from North Wales received a police caution after agreeing to receive a fraudulent parcel at her address for a fee.

It came as part of a national campaign being run throughout February by North Wales Police Economic Crime Unit, along with other teams across the UK, to proactively disrupt fraud offending.

The activity is supported by Operation Henhouse, a National Economic Crime Centre initiative to provide funding to allow forces to undertake additional operational activity against fraudsters.

Detective Inspector Iolo Edwards said: “If you receive an invitation to receive a package via the post, or allow your bank account to be used to transfer funds, the likelihood is that you are assisting a fraud to take place.

“There is every possibility that you will be identified and be visited by the police and the result will be a criminal record.”

He added: “Also, if someone purporting to be a courier asks for a parcel back, keep hold of the package and contact the company directly. If you feel in any danger, call the police.

“If you are contacted by phone after the delivery, you should make a new phone call to the company that sent the goods to verify the return is genuine.

“If you fall victim to such a fraud, contact your mobile phone provider to advise them straight away.  They will then commence an investigation themselves. Then report the matter to the police on 101 or Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.”

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