TELUS warns of phone scam

TELUS urging customers to not give out personal information

VANCOUVER, July 5, 2013 /CNW/ - TELUS is warning Canadians about a surge in a common phone scam.

TELUS is working to protect its customers from the fraudulent phone calls, which are affecting wireless and landline customers including businesses, primarily in B.C. and Alberta.

The latest scam involves 'spoofing', where a fraudster re-programs the caller ID signal to make it appear they are calling from a legitimate business, claiming to represent that organization.

When someone picks up the scam call, the imposter on the other end of the line claims to be TELUS or another well-known organization, saying the person they called has won a prize. Other variants of the scam ask you to press 1 to receive a prize. The imposter will then try to convince the person they've called to hand over personal information and credit card numbers in order to collect the alleged prize. This can result in unauthorized charges to a credit card or identity theft.

The calls are fraudulent, and in no way related to TELUS or other companies the scam artists claim to be associated with. Consumers should never enter their credit card information when prompted to by an unknown caller or automated call. TELUS recommends customers simply hang up if they receive a call.

TELUS is also urging Canadians not give out personal information over the phone unless certain they are speaking to a legitimate company. If unsure when receiving a call from someone claiming to be from a company and asking for information, TELUS recommends they either hang-up or ask for a number to call them back at directly ensure they are speaking with someone legitimate.

The TELUS Fraud Management Centre is available to assist customers and give fraud awareness presentations. If you believe you may have given personal information to a scam artist and need assistance securing your TELUS account, credit card numbers, or personal information, please call TELUS Fraud Management at 1-877-567-2062.

For additional information about phone fraud, please visit:
www.telus.com/scams
or
www.phonebusters.com

SOURCE: TELUS Corporation

For media inquiries, please contact:

BC

Liz Sauvé
TELUS Media Relations
604-719-6715
[email protected]

Shawn Hall
TELUS Media Relations 
[phone]
[email protected]

Alberta

Chris Gerritsen
TELUS Media Relations
[phone]
[email protected]