The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is warning residents about a cellphone scam after an investigation contributed to the disruption of an international fraud network believed to be responsible for more than $20 million in losses for Edmontonians.

The investigation began in the fall of 2026 after the EPS identified a large-scale fraud operation targeting Canadians through calls falsely claiming to represent major telecommunications providers, including Rogers, Telus, and Virgin Mobile. Investigators determined the scam had been operating since at least October 2024 and was linked to multiple call centres in Lahore, Pakistan.

Victims were offered free or heavily discounted cellphones and phone plans and were persuaded to provide personal information and order new devices through their legitimate service providers. Once the phones arrived, victims received follow-up calls claiming the wrong devices had been shipped and were instructed to send them to another address. The devices were then collected by individuals associated with the scheme and resold.

So far this year, investigators have been made aware of approximately 100 reports of this scam in Edmonton and estimate an approximate loss of $20 million related to these incidents.

In early October, police executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of 97 Street and 113 Avenue and arrested a 31-year-old male suspect. During the search, police seized suspected forgery equipment, fraudulent identification documents and electronic devices believed to be connected to the investigation.

Johnathan Cesar, 31, has since been charged with fraud over $5,000, trafficking in property obtained by crime and possession of forgery equipment.

Information gathered throughout the EPS investigation also helped identify multiple suspected scam call centres operating in Pakistan. That information was shared with international law enforcement partners in late October 2026 and contributed to enforcement action by local authorities that disrupted several centres believed to be involved in the scheme.

The investigation involved extensive collaboration with telecommunications providers, shipping companies and police agencies across Canada, including Peel Regional Police, the RCMP and the Ontario Provincial Police.

"This scam is highly convincing and designed to exploit people's trust," says Cst. Brian Mason with the EPS Virtual Investigations Section. "If you receive an unsolicited offer for a free or heavily discounted cellphone that might seem too good to be true, contact your service provider directly using trusted contact information before providing personal information or taking any action."

Edmontonians are encouraged to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts or emails claiming to be from telecommunications providers and to independently verify any offers through official channels.