WARNING: Scammers Impersonating Mobile Carriers. Learn how to recognize cellphone scams with 8760 Cellular
Recently, several 8760 Cellular clients have reported receiving suspicious calls from individuals impersonating mobile carriers. These callers may offer free or heavily discounted phones and plans, request personal information, or claim there is an issue with a device or billing update.
This is not just an isolated concern. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) recently announced that its investigation helped disrupt an international cellphone fraud network believed to be responsible for approximately $20 million in losses for Edmontonians. Police have received approximately 100 reports of this scam in Edmonton so far in 2026.
How the Scam Works
According to EPS, fraudsters call victims pretending to represent major telecommunications providers, including Rogers, TELUS, and Virgin Mobile. They offer free or heavily discounted phones and plans to gain people's trust and persuade them to provide personal information and order new devices through their legitimate service providers.
After the devices arrive, victims receive another call claiming the wrong phones were shipped. They are then instructed to send the devices to another address, where individuals connected to the scheme collect and resell them.
Another tactic to watch for involves call forwarding. Scammers may persuade people to dial certain phone codes, such as *21* followed by a phone number and #, which can activate call forwarding on some mobile networks. This can redirect incoming calls to a number controlled by the fraudster, potentially exposing sensitive communications and verification calls.
How to Protect Yourself
Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly claiming to represent your mobile carrier, especially if they offer a free device or an unusually large discount. Remember:
Never share your online banking passwords, account PINs, or one-time verification codes with an unsolicited caller.
Never follow instructions to dial unfamiliar codes on your phone.
Do not provide personal or banking information to someone whose identity you have not independently verified.
Verify promotions and account updates directly with your carrier using its official website, app, or trusted phone number.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your provider directly.
What If You Have Already Dialed a Call-Forwarding Code?
Do not panic, but act quickly. Contact your mobile carrier using its official contact information and ask them to check your call-forwarding settings and disable any unauthorized forwarding. Deactivation codes vary by provider, so do not assume that one code works on every network.
If you shared financial information or verification codes, contact your bank immediately, secure your accounts, change compromised passwords, and review recent transactions. Report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.
How 8760 Cellular Helps Protect Its Clients
Scammers continue to change their tactics, making awareness and account security more important than ever. At 8760 Expense Management, we provide proactive support to clients enrolled in our 8760 Cellular Management Services, helping them manage their business cellular accounts and address concerns when suspicious activity arises.
If you are an 8760 client and need assistance with your cellular services, contact our team at cellular@8760.ca.
To learn more about our business cellular solutions, phone plans, and device management services, visit 8760.ca/cellular.
Stay alert. Protect your information. Stay connected with confidence.
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