State Police Warn of Cell Phone Delivery Scam

Upper Peninsula, Michigan. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is warning the public about a delivery scam targeting customers who have recently received legitimate cell phone or electronic device orders. Scammers contact customers and try to trick them into sending the devices to the scammer.

A citizen recently contacted the MSP Calumet Post after being targeted in a scam involving a newly delivered phone. In this case, the scammer falsely claimed to be calling from Spectrum and appeared to have information about the customer’s legitimate order, including details about the device and when it was delivered.

The scammer falsely claimed that a wrong phone/refurbished device had been mistakenly sent and instructed the customer to return it, saying it was “urgent.” The scammer offered to provide a shipping label via FedEx for the return. The scammer also offered a $100 gift card “for your trouble” if the phone was mailed back.

Thankfully, the citizen thought this was suspicious, realized this was a scam, and did not return the phone.

With this scam, if the customer follows the scammer’s instructions, the shipping label would ship the new device to the scammer and not the actual service provider. The customer could then be left paying for a new device, as the legitimate provider may dispute that they did not instruct the customer to mail it. In some cases, once the scammer gets the phone, it could be further used for identity theft attempts.

This type of scam may not be limited to a specific provider. People should be cautious whenever they order a new phone or other device and receive an unexpected call, text message, or email regarding the order. Scammers may somehow have access to legitimate information about your order, making their communications appear convincing. Even if the caller knows your name, phone number, device model, or other order details, that information does not necessarily mean the caller is legitimate.

Purchasing a device in person from an authorized provider location may help reduce the risk of this particular delivery scam, but customers should remain cautious of unexpected calls, texts, or emails regarding their account or device. Avoid sending a newly delivered phone or device back using a return label or QR code provided during an unsolicited call or message without first independently verifying the request.

If there is a question about an order or whether a device needs to be returned, contact the provider directly using the customer service number listed on an official bill, the provider’s verified website, the provider’s official mobile app, or in person at an authorized retailer. Do not use a phone number, link, or other contact information supplied by an unknown/unexpected caller.