Fraud Alert: Phone Call Offering a New Modem

[dks]

I received a strange phone call this morning. The number was a local call. When I picked up, the computer voice said they were calling from Bell and Bell was upgrading all lines to fibre. The voice offered a new modem for this new service and asked me to press 3 to enter my account information. 

Nope. Goodbye. 

First, I have Bell fibre and have had it for the last 18 months. Second, I have the latest modem, the Giga Hub. Finally, Bell doesn't ask for my account credentials on a cold call. 

Beware. Never, ever give your account information to an unsolicited caller like that. Stay safe, friends. 

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❗AI Summary:

This topic outlines a scam involving fraudulent phone calls targeting Bell Canada customers. The scam involves an unsolicited call with either a an automated or human voice claiming to represent Bell Canada. The voice announces an upgrade to fibre and/or offers a 'new modem' that can be provided. The voice then prompts the recipient to press a number to enter their account information.

The original poster identified this action or behaviour as fraudulent as they knew that Bell will never ask for account credentials in an unsolicited call.

Solutions and advice shared by users in the forum thread include:

• Never provide personal or account information to an unsolicited caller.
• If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a call, the recommended course of action is to hang up and call Bell directly to verify the information or offer.
• Be aware that scammers can spoof caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from "Bell Canada". One user reported receiving a suspicious call where the caller knew their first name and general location, yet they correctly identified it as a scam and ended the call.
• Official Bell Moderators have confirmed the suspicion of fraudulent activity and has shared the following links to help recognize and prevent fraud:

What does fraud look like?

Do you suspect fraud? What to do next

Service provider impersonation scam

[Vanadiel]

Scam for sure. They will try to trick you into providing access to your computer so they can scam you.

Just hang up and don't engage with them.

[SW112]

Had the same call and notwithstanding some of the poor grammar from the English speaking recorded lady at the start I decided to press 1 for funsies.  “John” answered after a long pause and I asked him how much.  He said free for the new fibre optics.  I then said “I am not a Bell subscriber.”  He then said “why did you press 1?”  I said to mess with you.

Rude and ignorant.

[SW112]

  By the way they call and say “Dear Bell Customer.”  Red flag right there.

[RB1]

Has Bell been calling home phones suggesting modem upgrades or is this a scam

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

This was not Bell calling. It was a fraudster trying to scam you. Were you expecting an upgraded or replacement modem?

Just erase or hang up! There is no reason for you to talk to fraudsters. They want to talk to you. There is no requirement for you to connect with them in any way, shape or form.  They want to sell you something, steal something from you or add you to their live contact list! 

Reputable companies such as Bell, banks, utilities & highly regarded services & institutions do not send you messages or make calls such as this! They do not call you asking to provide personal information. Hang up! Report the fraud! Delete!

Never share any personal information with anyone you do not know or trust! Do not open web links or messages in emails or text messages!

Service provider impersonation scam - Bell

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with everyone in the Bell Community.

Take care.

[scotty33]

I just got the fraudulent scam call now... They are at it again, offering a new modem. When I said I would call Bell and confirm, the person said they would cut off my internet. I hung up!

[NES]

I am receiving the same type of call.

In my case it is always form the same number 450-692-****.

Can Bell block this number or track it?

[1Frustrated]

I just received the same type of call this morning from a local number 514-620-XXXX - if they are involved the you have a number if they are not involved then someone is using their number for this scam.

[dks]

The numbers are "spoofed". I have been called by one of these fraudsters using my own phone number. 

[Willy2]

I as well got a call from 226 401-**** letting me know a new modem is on way press 1 to talk with tech for day of delivery. I press 1 and someone answered but quickly hung up. I then searched and found this forum. 

[RevBKVallis]

Residents in this community served by (709) 888 are receiving Telephone calls advising that fibre cable is being installed in the near future with a modem upgrade. People are reluctant to respond because of a possible scam. Is an upgrade in service in the process for this exchange in the near future. I am the mayor and we can advise residents whether or not this is a scam.

Thank you

[d00dy]

I have just received a very similar phone call from a strong accented east Indian person, claiming to be a Bell employee. He tried to get me to give him access to my computer by typing in a certain URL which takes you to a site that looks like a legit bell site. At that point I became very suspicious and got rid of him. I called bell and they confirmed that Bell Fibre internet is still not eligible yet in our area. Bell will never ever ask you for access to your computer, and apparently will only call to inform you that a new free modem is on the way when the new Fibre line is up. God only knows what these new scammers are up to. PLEASE BEWARE !!!

[Orleanaise]

The scheme (scam) is still running with variations.  Got a call this morning from (519) 979-**** claiming to be from Bell and telling me that with the boost of Fibe speed in my area (true) that the wifi router needs to be changed to take advantage of this service improvement.  Press 1 to be connected to the Bell Technician to schedule the replacement. 

[Ryder14]

Scam Call Alert! Received call this morning from local number. Pr recorded message offering fiber optic and free modem upgrade. All I had to do is press 1 . Of course I hung up. 

[Carlyle]

Hi lately have been getting calls saying they are updating the fibre op and routers. Then they want you to press 1 to speak to a representative when I do press 1  nothing happens.  It’s an automated call  just wondering if this is a scam.