The Comox Valley RCMP is reminding residents to be vigilant when handing out personal information after receiving several reports of a popular cell phone scam.
The scam typically involves SIM card swapping and/or phone number porting which allows scammers access to valuable personal information. The scammer will impersonate the victim to gain access to their mobile account, start making changes to the account, and then start making changes to other accounts associated to the phone.
As a result of this type of fraud, thousands of dollars have been lost here in the Comox Valley said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP. In addition to the financial loss, victims are spending countless hours getting their accounts back in order she added.
Do not answer text messages, click on links or answer e-mails asking for personal information. If any of the e-mails or text messages are about porting your phone number or if you lose service on your device – contact your service provider immediately by calling them directly.
For more information, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.