Scam Exploits AT&T App, Costs Customer $98 and Multiple Devices
Scammers impersonated AT&T reps and used the AT&T app to have a customer pay $98 in sales tax on a ‘free’ phone and ship it back. They repeated the fraud with an iPhone and iPad before AT&T refunded the devices and is resolving the initial charge.
1. Scam Mechanism
Scammers called the customer offering a 50% bill discount and a free device, claiming to be AT&T representatives. They guided him through the AT&T app to open a new line, pay a $98 sales tax, order a phone and later an iPhone and iPad, then instructed him to ship each back.
2. Customer Impact
The bus driver paid $98 in sales tax and unwittingly ordered three devices that arrived unactivated, risking liability for thousands of dollars. After realizing the fraud, he filed multiple claims but was initially held responsible for the original phone charge.
3. AT&T Response
AT&T accepted returns of the second iPhone and iPad at a retail store and refunded those costs and taxes. The company is working directly with the customer to resolve the initial $98 charge and reimburse any further device expenses.