Nowadays, it's increasingly common to receive unsolicited phone calls from unknown numbers. While some of these calls may be legitimate, many are attempts by fraudsters to trick you into parting with your personal information or money.

One particularly prevalent scam involves fraudsters posing as representatives from well-known mobile phone or internet providers. These scammers often offer enticing deals, such as significant discounts on mobile phone contracts or free upgrades to the latest devices. They may sound highly convincing and knowledgeable, often mentioning current deals that make the offer sound legitimate.

How the Scam Works

The Initial Call: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from your mobile phone provider or a similar company. They offer a seemingly too-good-to-be-true deal, such as a free phone or a substantial discount on your monthly contract.

The Bait: Excited by the prospect of a great deal, you may provide personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth as well as confirming financial details.

The Hook: A few days later, you receive another call from the same person. They apologize for a mistake made by a colleague and inform you that the wrong phone was sent in error. They request that you return the phone to a specific address.

The Scam: Unbeknownst to you, the provided address belongs to the scammers themselves. By returning the phone, you're essentially handing over a valuable item to the fraudsters which you may be left liable for.

How to Protect Yourself

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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