A Verizon reseller employee reportedly defrauded a customer.

Reports of carrier scams are common on social media. A Verizon customer discovered an unauthorized $10 monthly charge stemming from a scheme involving an employee at an authorized reseller. The customer had ordered a smartwatch through Verizon's app. An employee at a reseller apparently noticed the order and placed a duplicate order within 48 hours.

The customer then received notices about the second watch, which were disregarded under the assumption that they were related to the original order. It is believed that the employee had the duplicate device sent to their home, the store, or another accessible location.

Verizon investigated and identified the fraudulent activity. Although the reseller store had closed, Verizon refunded the customer the full amount and blacklisted the unauthorized device.

In a separate instance, another Verizon customer received unsolicited upgrade emails. They are now working with Verizon's fraud team. The customer stated that someone had charged their account without permission, and confirmed that it was not a family member. A former Verizon employee suggested using two-factor authentication (2FA) for protection.

Using 2FA for apps adds a layer of security. Even if a password is compromised, an additional authentication method, like a code sent to a phone, is required for access.

The former employee also speculated that a phishing attempt could have provided login credentials to process unauthorized upgrades. The affected customer noted that the devices were to be picked up at a local Verizon store, suggesting possible internal involvement, as identification would likely be required.

Experts advise caution when ordering from stores, particularly third-party authorized resellers, due to potential fraudulent activities. Purchasing directly from the manufacturer's website or app is recommended.

Consumers should regularly monitor their accounts and promptly report any discrepancies. It is important to avoid sharing personal information in response to suspicious emails or texts. Instead, contact the company using a verified phone number.

Legitimate communications can sometimes appear fraudulent. One individual received an email from Verizon containing numerous errors. After confirming its authenticity with Verizon, it was determined that the email was indeed genuine despite its unprofessional appearance.

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