Pennsylvania State Police are warning northeastern Pennsylvania residents about a scam in which thieves steal new cell phones right off doorsteps.

Scammers posing as phone company representatives are showing up at homes and asking to collect newly delivered devices, according to Fox 56. PSP Troop N, based in Hazleton, and the Hazleton City Police Department issued the warning.

Trooper Anthony Petroski with Troop N described two versions of the scheme.

In the first, a customer orders a new phone. Before or shortly after delivery, the customer receives a text claiming the wrong device was sent. The message says a representative will come to pick up the phone. Someone then shows up at the door to collect it.

"Next thing you know, you're out however many phones you ordered," Petroski said to Fox 56. "And now the cell phone provider is saying that you are responsible for them because they delivered them and you were technically scammed."

In the second version, a phone the customer never ordered arrives at their home. Someone then knocks on the door claiming the package was sent by mistake. Petroski said that scenario typically means the customer's account has been compromised and someone placed a fraudulent order.

Officials said scammers may gain access through compromised accounts, stolen personal information, fraudulent phone orders or package tracking, according to Fox 56.

Hazleton Police Officer Jessica Surkin said a key red flag is anyone showing up at a door claiming to represent a phone carrier.

"No matter what service you're using, most of the times they're not going to come to your door and collect it," Surkin said. "They're going to email you some type of slip when you request to send a phone back."

Surkin noted that carriers use UPS and USPS for returns. They do not send employees to collect devices.

Petroski said one incident was reported in Hazle Township, where a resident refused to hand over an unsolicited phone and contacted the provider. He urged residents to stay alert, saying the scam could continue in the area.

PSP and Hazleton police offered three steps for residents:

  • Never hand over a delivered phone to anyone who comes to the door.
  • Call the phone carrier directly using a verified number, not a number from an unexpected text message.
  • Call 911 if the situation seems criminal.

WBRE/WYOU also reported on the PSP warning on Monday, Nov. 2.

Petroski said residents who are unsure about any delivery should contact law enforcement. "We will definitely do an investigation," he said.