Strathcona County RCMP Warn Residents Of Cell Phone Scam

Strathcona County RCMP Warn Residents Of Cell Phone Scam

August 7, 2024

Strathcona County RCMP warn residents of cell phone scam

Strathcona County, Alta. - Strathcona County RCMP want to warn the public about a Telus scam that has come to the attention of the police.

On July 18, 2024, the victim received a call from a suspect claiming to be from Telus offering a cell phone promotion. The suspect reported the promotion would provide the victim with two new cell phones, and a new plan for $65.00 a month. The suspect advised the victim to call Telus to order the two new phones at the higher price but to call the back, and he would adjust the price to reflect the promotion. The victim received the two phones in the mail, and called the suspect who stated he got the wrong phones. The victim was instructed to mail the two phones back to an address in Ontario, and was provided a shipping label. The phones were sent to the scammers and not back to Telus. 

Like phishing emails and texts, fraudsters may attempt to collect personal information over the phone, whether on a mobile phone or landline. If you receive an unexpected and suspicious call, be cautious and ask yourself whether the caller is asking for personal or sensitive information, creating a sense of urgency, or pressuring you to take action. If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the call is likely a phishing or scam attempt.

If you have received a suspected phishing call to your TELUS mobile device or landline, do not reply to the caller and end the call immediately. Report the call to TELUS Customer Care at 1-866-558-2273. Phishing calls can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or on their website.

The Strathcona County RCMP continues to investigate. If you have any information about this crime or those responsible please contact Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.