Your caller identification (Caller ID) display normally shows the name and phone number associated with the line used to call you. Caller ID spoofing occurs when illegitimate telemarketers change the information that appears on your Caller ID so that you are more likely to answer the call.
For example, the Caller ID may display your own phone number, the name of a recognized brand or government agency, or may be changed to a phone number that can’t be dialed (for example, 000-000-0000).
If you're receiving unwanted spam calls on your smartphone, we recommend using the tips to protect yourself above to safely avoid scams.
We want to ensure that the privacy of your voicemail is always protected.
The best way to do this is to turn your password on at all times. It’s easy to do. The next time you check your voicemail, press option 2 for personal options, then press 2 to change your password. Once you’ve selected a password that is memorable for you but hard for others to guess, press option 5 to turn your password on.
Use the following instructions to create a new password or to change your current password for your home landline:
Fraudulent porting and SIM swaps are both unauthorized requests to transfer your mobile phone number to another provider or device without your permission. Once the fraudster has control of your mobile phone number, they can use it to gain access to other personal services and accounts that you may have linked to that phone number, including banking and/or social media apps.
The most important thing you can do to prevent porting fraud is to protect your personal information and identification from online and physical theft. On our end, a two factor authentication process is in place for all port requests in order to protect you even more.
We recommend you contact us immediately if your phone suddenly stops working, you believe your device or SIM card has been compromised, or suspect fraudulent activity has taken place on your account. Additionally, be sure to change any passwords on email accounts, banking and social media apps.
Phishing is the attempt to obtain personal information from you by using fraudulent websites, emails or pop-up windows.
There are a number of different phishing techniques, for example:
Text message (SMS) spam or ‘smishing’ is any unsolicited text messages sent to your mobile phone. Smishing messages often ask that you call or text a phone number, click on a link to a website for more information, or download an application.
If you believe that you have been affected by a telephone, email or text message scam, we recommend you contact your bank, your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). The CAFC is a national anti-fraud call centre operated by law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP. The CAFC collects complaints and forwards them to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
If you receive an email claiming to be from Eastlink asking for personal and/or banking information, do not respond or click on any links in the email. Please forward the email to reportphishing@eastlink.ca and then delete the email.
If you have clicked on a link in a phishing email, provided the information requested, or think your account may have been compromised, please call Eastlink at 1-888-345-1111 or chat with us on eastlink.ca.
Where can I get information on the latest scams and fraud?
For information on the latest scams and fraud, and what to do if you are a victim you may want to visit the following websites:
The RCMP which highlights the latest consumer scams and how you can deal with them.
The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker which features the latest consumer-reported scams in Canada and the United States.
The CRTC Telemarketing and Unwanted Calls which includes Consumer Alerts on the latest scams.
