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

[Johnxxxxxxxxxxx]

Just got the call today. They didn’t ask for account info, but they asked me to look at myspaceip and then download conectwise control app and type in a 5 digit code.  I followed all instructions except putting in the code.  I knew this would give them remote control of my info so I said I was busy and would call back later. He began to say all kinds of panicked stuff trying to pressure me into doing it. lol. Nice try 

[dks]

Nice catch! To be sure, downloading unknown software is always a serious risk, but you did not complete the task the fraudster asked you to do. Good for you! 

[JR2]

Yeah, there was a news article about a woman around here who fell for it totally.  

[Sharon2]

I got the same call this morning.  Hung up immediately.  

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day & Welcome @Sharon2 

Thank you for sharing this with the Bell Community Forum.

As you already known, this was not Bell calling. It was a fraudster trying to scam you. 

It is a never-ending battle. Scammers will try everything & anything to make you believe in them!

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! Hang up.

When in doubt, call Bell: 1 866 310-BELL (2355) It is far better to be safe than sorry!

Please check out the following web link that I have provided for you below:

Service provider impersonation scam - Bell

Take care.

[Jb29]

1. I am a Bell phone customer only (cellular and home). I received a call today stating that they are upgrading to fibre optic service in this area and that I was eligible for a free new modem…press one! I did not. I have not heard of any upgrades to this area either 

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day & Welcome @Jb29 

Kudos to you! You did the right thing by hanging up!

There is no program for replacing modems at this time. This was not Bell calling. It was a fraudster trying to scam you.

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!

If you are unsure, then call Bell! It is far better to be safe than sorry!

Please check out the following web links that I have provide for you below:

Service provider impersonation scam - Bell

Thank you for sharing this with the Bell Community Forum.

Take care.

[Joe 2]

I got call from 514-482-**** claiming that Bell is upgrading to 5G free in my area and hold for customer support but then i got disconnected. Is this a scam?

[dks]

Thanks for your question. Yes, this is likely a scam. Check your Bell Mobility plan to confirm you have 5G service. You can always call 1-866-310-2355 to confirm your plan details. Otherwise, don't worry and just hang up.   

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day & Welcome

Thank you for sharing this with the Bell Community Forum.

This was more than likely not Bell calling you. It was a fraudster trying to scam you.

Bell does not offer free 5G per se. This is a premium feature included when you subscribe to their unlimited monthly cell phone plans.

Bell does offer promotions from time to time. They generally do not call offering: "5G free in an area".

Not all Bell plans offer 5G access. While 5G and 5G+ are standard on many of Bell's monthly Unlimited plans, lower-tier plans, such as a prepaid plan, & some legacy or tablet-specific plans may restrict you to 4G & LTE.

As previously mentioned by @dks, if in doubt, call Bell!

Your existing Bell mobility agreement is also readily available for you viewing by logging into your MyBell account.

Please check out the following web links that I have provided for you below:

• Service provider impersonation scam - Bell
• Ten most common scams - Bell

Never share any personal information with anyone you do not know or trust!

Take care.

[MR ED]

Hello,

Call from 1 613 864 **** claiming to be Bell - For an upgrade of modem?

Today I received a call from a bot claiming to be bell and on the step where it put me in touch with a support person the call disconnected.

1. Was this call actually from Bell?

2. How do I receive a modem upgrade where I don't receive calls from unknown callers? / I do not like answering calls from unknown numbers.

[JR2]

No it was not from Bell even though the number appearing on your phone looks like the real Bell phone number but it is actually disguising the real number they called from.  Maybe the Bell tech people can work on that so that it does not happen to all of us. Hint hint.  I have received various calls from scammers that even shows a local number but it is not the true number.  There are all kinds of phone scams out there.  Always be careful.  If you search Canadian phone scams on the internet, it will tell you of many of the scams that are out there.