A member of the Dorset community became a victim of the scam after realising their internet service had stopped working.
After contacting their provider, the victim was informed an order for a new mobile phone and accessories had been placed using their account, with a credit check completed in their name.
No one in the household had authorised the order, but the transaction was fortunately cancelled before dispatch.
In reviewing their bank account, the victim found a new Direct Debit had also been set up for mobile services they had not requested.
Fraudsters may carry out these crimes using compromised login details obtained from phishing emails, scam calls, or data breaches.
Utilising stolen personal information, the criminals can manipulate security checks and order devices on credit with the aim of selling these items for profit.
Common warning signs of this scam include unexplained credit searches, unrequested orders, new or unfamiliar Direct Debits, unexpected devices or SIM cards arriving, and loss of access to online accounts.
Victims of such incidents are advised by Dorset Police to contact their provider immediately, report the fraud, cancel unauthorised Direct Debits, and change their passwords.
For more advice, the public can call Ask Damian on 01202 144688.
