NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A disturbing message has arrived in our inbox that reveals a scam many people have never seen. Before we go into detail, here is the email Gary from Palmetto, Florida sent us:
“This just happened to a friend of mine. This is the first time I’ve heard of this scam. She purchased a new phone from Spectrum. 2 days later she received a call saying they were from Spectrum and told her that they accidentally gave her a refurbished phone instead of a new one and asked her to return it, which she did. However, that night she had a feeling something was wrong. She contacted UPS the next day and Spectrum and verified it was a scam, and luckily was able to get his phone back, but UPS told him they actually changed the return address and the address it was destined to as soon as it was shipped. But like I said, no one I’ve talked to has heard about it yet,” he wrote.
This experience shows how quickly scammers evolve. It also highlights the importance of quick action when something goes wrong.
HOW 3.5B WHATSAPP NUMBERS WERE SCRAPED AND EXPOSED
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive offers straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM bulletin.
Scammers time their calls right after a new phone delivery to make the story seem real. (Cyberguy.com)
How this new phone return scam works
You can avoid this scam if you know the steps criminals use to achieve this. Here’s how they work.
1) Scammers track recent purchases
They start by monitoring recent purchases by phone or carrier through data leaks, phishing or information about stolen shipments. Because they know when a phone has been delivered, they can time the call precisely.
2) They call with a compelling story
Then they claim to represent Spectrum or another carrier. They claim a mix-up occurred and the customer received a refurbished device. Since the call is directly linked to an actual purchase, the story seems credible.
3) They pressure the victim to ship the phone
After that, they send a prepaid label that looks official. Once the victim ships the phone, they change the destination via UPS or FedEx tools or hacked accounts. As a result, the device is quickly redirected.
4) They follow up to reduce doubt
Sometimes they even send a second message or call to confirm receipt. This extra touch delays the moment when the victim realizes that the package has gone to another address.
5) Quick action saved Gary’s friend
Gary’s friend sensed something was wrong. She immediately contacted UPS and Spectrum, which allowed them to intercept the shipment before final delivery.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS SPREAD RAPIDLY FROM THE UNITED STATES
Steps to protect yourself from phone return fraud
These simple actions can stop this scam sooner and keep your new phone safe.
1) Confirm each return request
Always check with your carrier through their official phone number or website before shipping a device.
2) Ignore tags sent by callers
Treat any label that appears outside of your verified online account as suspicious, as scammers use them to redirect packages.
3) Ship only after confirming the address
Use your own shipping and send the phone only after verifying the correct return address with your carrier.
4) Monitor the pressure
Scammers use phrases like we made a mistake or we will credit your account to encourage you to act quickly. Slow down and confirm before doing anything.
5) Add Carrier Account PIN
Create a PIN and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account from unauthorized access.
The fake return labels appear official, making victims believe they are returning the phone to the carrier. (Reuters/Thomas Peter/file photo)
6) Use powerful antivirus software
Powerful antivirus software blocks phishing sites and dangerous links that scammers use to steal account data. It also alerts you to scam calls and messages related to known threats.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
7) Use a personal data deletion service
A data removal service extracts your information from people search sites which expose your address, carrier details and phone number. Reducing this exposure reduces targeted scam calls.
Although no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data deletion service is definitely a wise choice. They’re not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information across hundreds of websites. This is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of fraudsters cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
THIS IS WHAT YOU DO WRONG WHEN SCAMMERS CALL
Check out my top picks for data deletion services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already available on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
Get a free analysis to find out if your personal information is already available on the web: Cyberguy.com.
8) Check your account for any new orders or changes
Fraudsters sometimes add fake orders or create return requests in your operator account. Examining your activity can quickly reveal tampering. Check your carrier account for new orders or changes. Look for return requests, shipping labels, or changes you didn’t make.
9) Enable shipping alerts for packages
Most carriers and shipping companies allow you to enable text or email alerts. This makes it more difficult for fraudsters to redirect a package without your knowledge. Enable delivery alerts with UPS, FedEx or USPS. Real-time updates help you detect reroutes before your device goes too far.
10) Protect your shipping ID
Fraudsters often use stolen UPS or FedEx credentials to change addresses. Secure your UPS or FedEx accounts with strong passwords. This limits the unauthorized access that fraudsters rely on. CConsider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.
Next, check to see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 choice for password manager includes a built-in breach scanner that checks to see if your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Quick action with UPS or the carrier can stop the scam before the package reaches the wrong hands. (iStock)
Discover the Best Expert-Rated Password Managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.
11) Avoid reading tag numbers out loud on the phone
Some scammers ask victims to read tracking numbers or label details. They use these codes to divert shipments. Never share tracking numbers or label details with anyone who calls you. Fraudsters use these numbers to redirect packages.
12) Report attempted fraud
Your report helps operators investigate similar attempts. Report any suspicious calls to your operator’s fraud department. Your story can help protect other customers from the same scheme.
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Phone bounce scams continue to spread as fraudsters monitor every moment people feel rushed or distracted. When a new device arrives, most of us feel excited and eager to set it up, giving criminals a narrow window to attack. Taking a few simple steps to verify each return request can stop the entire system before it reaches your door. Slow down, check the details, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. Your prudence can save you from losing a brand new phone to a convincing lie.
What scam attempts have you or someone you know encountered recently that others should know about? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive offers straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM bulletin.
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
