iPhone and Samsung Galaxy owners targeted in growing Ontario phone scam

A scam that tricks people into handing over brand-new iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and other expensive electronics has led to an arrest in the Ontario Town of Milton, with Halton Regional Police warning the fraud could affect residents anywhere in Ontario.

Police say the scheme, known as a “fake agent” scam, targets customers of major telecommunications providers such as Rogers, Bell and Telus by convincing them they are eligible for a free smartphone or tablet.

Instead of receiving a legitimate promotion, victims unknowingly become part of a fraud that sends thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics directly into the hands of scammers.

Halton Regional Police says the investigation began earlier this month after officers were alerted to several suspicious packages being shipped to a post office box in Milton.

Members of the Financial Crimes Unit launched surveillance and arrested a suspect as he was collecting the packages on July 9.

Police charged Adnan Asghar, 42, of Milton, with:

• Fraud over $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Laundering the proceeds of crime

At the time of the arrest, investigators say they discovered 22 electronic devices worth more than $36,000, including Apple iPhones, iPads and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

According to police, victims first receive an unsolicited phone call from someone pretending to be an employee or agent of a telecommunications company such as Rogers, Bell or Telus.

The caller claims the victim qualifies for a free smartphone or other electronic device through their existing wireless account.

The victim is persuaded to order the device through their carrier, believing it is part of a legitimate promotion.

Once the phone or tablet arrives, the scammer contacts the victim again, claiming there has been a shipping or processing error. The victim is then instructed to mail the unopened device to a post office box controlled by the fraudsters.

Police say the electronics are later shipped overseas and sold for profit, leaving victims responsible for the cost of devices they no longer possess.

The fraud is particularly convincing because victims often deal directly with their legitimate wireless provider when ordering the device. The deception comes from the initial caller, who has convinced them the promotion is genuine, and the follow-up instructions directing them to send the device elsewhere.

Many victims do not realize they have been scammed until they begin receiving bills for the phone or tablet.

Police urge residents across Ontario to be skeptical of unsolicited calls offering free smartphones or other electronic devices.

Investigators say people should never ship a newly purchased phone, tablet or other device to a third party, even if the request appears to come from a telecommunications company.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and contact their provider directly using the phone number listed on their bill or the company’s official website to verify whether an offer is legitimate.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4747. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.