Fake Phone Returns Divert Devices to Scammers, Leaving Victims With Bills

Fraudsters impersonating telecommunications providers are arranging genuine phone deliveries in victims’ names, then using fake return instructions to steal the devices while leaving recipients liable for contracts, financing agreements or monthly payments. Sidney/North Saanich RCMP warned that local victims reported combined losses exceeding $33,000 in recent weeks. Callers offer free upgrades, loyalty rewards or discounted devices and collect personal information to establish or update accounts. After phones arrive, the scammers claim a shipping mistake and supply prepaid return labels or shipping QR codes that route the devices to criminal-controlled destinations rather than the provider.

Malwarebytes highlighted the same scheme, with anonymized records including examples of scammers impersonating Canadian provider Rogers. The genuine delivery makes the offer appear credible, but the fraudulent return does not cancel the customer’s obligations because the provider never receives the phone. Police and Malwarebytes advise customers to verify unsolicited offers and return procedures directly with their provider using a trusted contact number, rather than relying on caller-supplied instructions. Suspected victims should promptly report the fraud, reset any exposed credentials and preserve communications, shipping labels and account records as evidence.