B.C. Senior Warns Others After Fake Telus Scam

A South Cariboo senior lost nearly $60 after a scammer posing as Telus called. He’s urging others to hang up on unsolicited “Telus” offers and be alert.

South Cariboo, B.C.  A local senior resident, Donald Lipsett, is speaking out after being deceived by a scammer impersonating a Telus representative  all over a phone call. According to his account, the fraudster promised a new senior loyalty plan and phone upgrade, convinced him to share sensitive details, and charged small fees on his credit card. 

How the Scam Played Out

• The call came on Nov. 13, 2025, from an Alberta-based number. The caller claimed to be a “promotional representative” for Telus, offering price reductions and new phone deals.
  
• Despite Lipsett being a Koodo customer (a Telus-owned brand), the call seemed convincing  the caller guided him through his account and made technical references that appeared genuine.
  
• Lipsett shared his credit card number and even his driver’s license before realizing something was off. Over the next few days, two US$28 charges appeared on his CIBC Visa, appearing under the name “Koodoo Web Store 9871, Alberta.” 

The Warning Signs & Aftermath

• When Lipsett received a text from Koodo warning of “suspected fraudulent activity,” he took action.
  
• He went to a local Telus dealer, who confirmed that no legitimate “senior loyalty account” like the one offered actually exists.
  
• Lipsett immediately cancelled his credit card, reported the scam to the RCMP, and filed a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
  
• The scammer called back afterward, attempting to gain more trust but this time, Lipsett turned off the engagement and refused to share anything further. 

His Advice to Others

Lipsett is now actively warning his community:

“Be cautious, very cautious, about any offer that might sound too good to be true… Absolutely don’t give out personal information over the phone.” 

He adds that Telus and Koodo both clarified to him that legitimate representatives would never ask for credit card information over an unsolicited call. 

This scam is especially concerning because:

1. It targets seniors, a demographic known to be more vulnerable to social-engineering calls.
   
2. The use of spoofed numbers and apparently legitimate identity makes it hard to distinguish from real calls.
   
3. While Lipsett’s financial loss was relatively small (~$60), the implications could be far greater for others. 

How to Stay Safe

Report suspicious calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) or your local police. 

Don’t provide personal or payment information on unsolicited calls.

Let the call go to voicemail if you’re unsure important companies will usually leave a message.

If you’re in doubt, hang up and call the company directly using a number you trust, like from their official website.

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