Beware of This Phone Delivery Scam!
If you order a new smartphone for home delivery, you could fall victim to scammers. Scammers pose as mobile operator representatives, call customers, and claim they received the wrong phone and need to return it.
Obviously, if you follow through, the scammers will be able to get hold of your phone – they can sell it or activate it, using your details to commit identity fraud.
Fraudulent theft of expensive electronics is nothing new. In addition to traditional doorstep thefts, thieves have been known to knock on doors , posing as couriers or company representatives attempting to return “misdelivered” items. Fraudsters also use fake “Find My iPhone” notifications to gain access to lost or stolen iPhones.
How does phone return scam work?
As a ZDNET editor has discovered , the scam begins shortly after your new phone arrives. You might receive a call from a spoofed number, and the person claiming to be from your carrier will have specific information, such as your name, address, and device model. They’ll tell you there’s been an error and you need to send the phone back for a replacement. They may give you instructions on scanning a QR code, printing a label, and delivering the package to a collection point. In some cases, victims are promised gift cards as compensation for the inconvenience.
If you hesitate, scammers may use various pressure tactics to force you to act. They’ll tell you that delaying your return could cause problems with device activation, billing, or warranty issues. They may continue to make threatening phone calls.
Like many scams, this one relies on social engineering: it manipulates your emotions and instincts to make you act against your best interests. Scammers pose as a trusted brand and use detailed information about you to make their story more convincing. They exploit the moment to their advantage and create a sense of urgency.
Phone return scams also share similarities with review scams , where victims receive a package containing an item they did not order so that scammers can write a verified review, boost sales, or collect personal identifying information from the buyer after scanning a QR code (an additional component known as “quishing”) to learn more about the item.
What should you do if you get a call about your new phone?
In this case, the solution is to simply hang up. If you’re concerned about your account or device, call your carrier directly (use the support number from your previous bill or use the official app) and confirm the cause of the problem. Do not respond to QR codes or instructions provided during unwanted calls.
It might seem alarming that a scammer has accessed specific information about your order and is calling you right after your new phone arrives. Unfortunately, much of your personal information is publicly accessible and accessible to criminals, whether through a data breach or some other form of compromise (such as malware capable of reading notifications). This is a compelling reason to be on the lookout for other signs of identity theft and act quickly if you spot anything suspicious.