Provincial police are warning eastern Ontario residents about fraudsters posing as cellphone service providers and using counterfeit payments to make off with vehicles and equipment bought through online marketplaces.

The OPP's Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Unit outlined the schemes in an Oct. 1 release from its East Region headquarters in Smiths Falls.

In the cellphone scam, callers pretend to represent the victim's provider and offer discounts, upgraded plans or new devices. They direct victims to sign in to their legitimate cellphone accounts while the caller stays on the line.

The callers then ask for account information, security codes or personal details, including a driver's licence number or social insurance number.

Some victims are instructed to order a smartphone for delivery to their home. Once it arrives, the fraudster claims the wrong phone was shipped and tells them to send it to another address.

The victim is left responsible for the cost of the device and any other financial losses, police said.

Warning signs include unsolicited offers by phone, text or email and pressure to act immediately because a deal is available for only a limited time.

Police also flagged requests for passwords, PINs or authentication codes, requests for identification and instructions to open an account with a different service provider.

Another warning sign is being told to send a cellphone or tablet to an address supplied by the caller, particularly one that does not match the provider's verified address.

The second scheme targets people selling heavy equipment, trailers, vehicles and recreational equipment through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

Fraudsters often begin communicating through the marketplace before moving the conversation to email or text. The supposed buyer agrees to purchase the item without seeing it, claims to be out of town and arranges for a towing company or another carrier to collect it.

To appear legitimate, the buyer may send a photograph of a driver's licence or other identification.

The person collecting the equipment delivers a fraudulent payment, often a counterfeit cheque, money order or bank draft. By the time the seller discovers the payment is fraudulent, the equipment has already been removed.

Police said sellers should watch for buyers who will not meet in person or use secure, verifiable payment methods. Other warning signs include third-party pickups and payments delivered by tow truck operators or other intermediaries.

Police also list payment by cheque, money order or bank draft rather than a verified electronic transfer as a warning sign for people selling their items through an online marketplace.

The release also described the Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative, an East Region pilot program launched in 2025.

Led by a detective sergeant and supported by provincial constables, the team reviews fraud and cyber-enabled fraud reports and provides investigative guidance, resources and expert contacts to frontline officers. Its members also investigate fraud cases in collaboration with detachment leadership.

Suspected fraud can be reported to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through its online Fraud Reporting System or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

If you feel you may have been a victim of fraud, you can contact the following resources: