Phone Upgrade Scam Warning

The RCMP is warning Canadians about a sophisticated phone upgrade scam that's hitting multiple provinces, including Alberta.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters pose as major telecommunications companies and call victims with fake employee names and real account details. They convince victims to:

• Order a new phone through their actual provider's app

• Give them access to the app by collecting personal information

Once the phone arrives, scammers contact the victim again claiming the wrong device was shipped and must be returned. The return addresses are typically random Canadian homes tied to people working within the scheme.

Recent Alberta Case

On January 8, 2026, RCMP arrested 19-year-old Muhammad Ayaan Nadeem of Airdrie, alleging involvement with one of the false return locations. He's charged with trafficking property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Protect Yourself

• Don't accept unsolicited upgrade offers

• Don't call numbers provided by unknown callers

• Verify promotions by contacting your provider directly using official website or billing information

• Report suspected fraud to local police or Crime Stoppers

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports Canadians lost more than $530 million to fraud in 2023—the highest annual total on record.