Police Warn of Scam Involving a New Phone Coming in The Mail.

West Hants RCMP recently responded to a report of a scam involving a unique means of obtaining the victim’s personal information.

The victim received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Bell-Aliant representative selling a mobile phone plan. The victim agreed to the phone plan. They then received a new phone by mail with instructions to activate the phone. When activated and connected to wifi, the phone accessed and downloaded the victim’s personal information which was then used fraudulently to make accounts and purchases.

To help keep yourself safe from scammers:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, especially if there is a sense of urgency or secrecy. One of the best ways to protect yourself is just by hanging up and calling the company, government agency, or family member back at a number you know is legitimate.
• If you did not initiate the call, you do not know who you are talking to. Trust your instincts and do not give out personal information. If it feels like a scam, it probably is.
• If you or someone you know is the victim of a scam, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. For more information visit: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

Source : RCMP Release