Attackers have found a new way of fraud in the sale of smartphones — they take the devices on lease and resell it, but after some time the device is blocked due to lack of payment, told RIA Novosti Director of marketing of the company’s Forward Leasing Vasily Pitelino.
According to him, the swindlers in their schemes use Samsung Upgrade. Through it the user can for a small monthly fee to use the new smartphone, and after 12 months any free to exchange it for a new one, or redeem yourself by making the balance of payments. The subscription process is completely digital and takes place online.
"Legally, this form of acquisition of gadgets — leasing. Scammers quickly learned to use the new format purchases for their own benefit. They apply for the program Samsung Upgrade for dummies. After receiving the gadgets organizers resell them to unsuspecting buyers. Often at very attractive prices on the websites of free announcements or markets. The initial fee does not provide for, so the smartphone at the time of resale is normally", — said the expert.
However, after some time on the smartphone begin to receive messages with a request to make another payment on the lease. If the fee is not paid, the device is locked and to use it is impossible. "to Circumvent of the smartphone will not work, because need to replace the motherboard. Since the launch of the program, such cases were found in 6 regions of Russia and also in Belarus and Kazakhstan," — said Pitelino.
"What to do in order not to lose money? Experts recommend that you buy the smartphone from the official store and be treated with caution to purchase "hand" or questionable points resale. Pay attention to the price: she usually are significantly below market," he advises.
In addition, users are recommended before buying a smartphone to check a unique device ID (IMEI), if he is not involved in the leasing programme. "an Additional signal may be the lack of cash receipt from the seller. Leasing program it is not given, as the smartphone will become the property after the payment of all fees. In this case, it is likely you will hear a story about the loss of the check," he added.
