News Editor, News Reporter
CMU has become the scene of a national trend in cellular scams that have resulted in millions of dollars in losses to service providers like Verizon and AT&T.
Dubbed “gaming scams” by journalist Marie Sanchez of Cerritos, Calif., scammers recruit locals to buy discounted iPhones with the promise of canceling the attached cellular plan. In return, the scammers offer cash payments for the phones, which are often later reprogrammed and sold at the original value.
According to one CMU student, who asked to remain anonymous, a similar scam was offered to him while waiting in line at the University Center cafeteria.
“I was standing in line getting food ,and a guy I know from the track team offered me a quick way to make $100,” the student said.
The student was introduced to the alleged scammer, who reportedly gave the student money to set up a family share plan at WalMart with AT&T or Verizon in addition to purchasing three iPhone 5cs.
The iPhones, which are normally priced at $100, can be purchased for $50 with the activation of a two-year mobile share plan. Service providers eventually make up for the discount with service charges, but “gaming” scams like these leave contracts unfulfilled and credit scores ruined.
According to the student, once the account had been set up, the scammer exchanged the three iPhones for $100 and then promised to have his relative, who allegedly works for the service providers, cancel the contracts. Often individuals receive the cash reward, but their contracts are not cancelled and acrewing bills end up damaging credit.
The scammer made no comment on what was done with the phones, but the student was encouraged to inform others of the opportunity. The student also claimed he was aware of at least two other students who had engaged in similar transactions with the same individual.
The Criterion contacted Grand Junction Police Department to see if any reports had been filed warranting an investigation of the scam.
“At this time, we have not received any reports [of cellular scams],” GJDP’s information coordinator Kate Porras said.
Though GJPD was not able to offer additional information, Porras did claim it was possible the reports had not been fully processed.
“There are a number of factors that go into a scam case,” Porras said.
In order to issue a citation, officers would have to be able to prove that the individual in question was purposefully defrauding the companies, which could result in them being charged with theft or fraud.
While WalMart stated they do conduct credit checks of individuals who apply for new plans, little else can be done to prevent scams like these because of their external nature.
Anyone with information regarding these or other scams is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Mesa County at (970) 241-7867.
cferganc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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