Have you recently purchased a smartphone from a local online sales site only to learn from your service provider that the phone is “blacklisted” and is blocked from the major wireless networks? If so, Saanich Police would like to hear from you.
Over the last few months, police across the lower island have been receiving reports of fraudulently obtained cell phones being sold on sites such as Used Victoria, Varage and Kijiji. The phones are primarily newer model IPhones and Samsungs and look legitimate, unfortunately in each instance, the buyer is left with an expensive paperweight.
If you have found yourself in this situation, please call Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 and reference file 19-8630.