Durham police warn of mobile carrier fraud scam targeting residents

Durham Regional Police are warning the public about an ongoing mobile carrier fraud scam, according to a statement posted to the service's official Instagram account on October 22, 2026.

Police say the suspects contact victims claiming to represent their mobile provider, offering a free or discounted phone, an upgrade or another promotion that sounds legitimate. They then convince the victim to provide personal or account information, authorize a transaction or place an order.

The suspects order several devices or accessories to the victim's residence using the victim's account. Afterwards they contact the victim again, claiming there has been a mistake or that the wrong product was sent, and instruct the victim to return the products using a courier or shipping label provided by the suspect. The devices are then sent to an unauthorized recipient, leaving the victim responsible for all associated costs.

DRPS says the scams can be very convincing: suspects may already have personal or account information and may use phone numbers, email addresses or documents that appear legitimate. To protect themselves, residents are urged to be cautious of unsolicited promotions, especially under pressure; to end the conversation and contact the provider directly using the contact information on its official website, app or account documentation; to independently confirm return instructions and shipping destinations before sending back any device; and to review their mobile account regularly and report any unauthorized orders.

Police remind everyone not to give out personal, credit card or account password information to anyone who cannot be verified as a legitimate mobile carrier employee. Anyone who receives a fraudulent call or has been victimized is asked to contact police and report the incident as soon as possible. DRPS also encourages residents to speak to loved ones about fraud prevention and to call 211 when in doubt.