West Shore RCMP warns of free mobile phone scam

The West Shore RCMP has issued a warning regarding a multi-step ‘bait and switch’ scam targeting residents with offers for free mobile phones. Fraudsters pose as telecommunications staff to inform individuals they are eligible for a free device.

Once the victim orders and receives the phone, scammers contact them claiming the wrong device was sent by mistake. They then provide a pre-paid shipping label and instruct the victim to return the phone to a PO Box located outside of British Columbia. After the device is mailed, the victim loses the phone and may have already compromised sensitive personal or financial information during the initial ordering process.

Police advise residents to be skeptical of unsolicited offers, question claims of shipping mistakes, and verify all communications by contacting companies directly through official websites or billing statements. The RCMP also warns against providing Social Insurance Numbers, passwords, or credit card details to unsolicited callers.