Police issue warning over fraudsters stealing mobile phone upgrades

The advice comes from Northamptonshire Community Connect.

A spokesman said: "Fraudsters are impersonating telephone service providers and contacting their clients offering a phone upgrade on a low monthly payment contract.

"The fraudsters will glean all your personal and financial details which will then be used to contact the genuine phone provider and order a new mobile phone handset.

"The fraudsters will either intercept the delivery before it reaches the victim’s address or order the handset to a different address," he said.

Police have issued steps people can take to not fall victim to the fraud:

* Never provide your personal information to a third party from an unsolicited communication.

* Obtain the genuine number of the organisation being represented and verify the legitimacy of the communication.

* If the offer is too good to be true it probably is.

If you have provided personal information and you are concerned that your identity may be compromised consider Cifas Protection Registration.

If you have been a victim of fraud report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/