HOMER, NY (607NewsNow) – The Homer Police Department is noting an increase in scams.

On August 3, officers received a report from a resident who recently purchased a new cell phone through Spectrum.

When the phone arrived, the buyer received a call from someone claiming to be their service provider, saying the wrong phone had been shipped and needed to be returned via FedEx. An email was sent to the buyer with a QR code and directions to go to a local store that handles FedEx returns.

Only after the phone was sent back did the buyer learn it was a scam.

Homer PD warns anyone who buys a new phone not to send it back, and never call a number provided by an unknown person. If you receive a similar call, hang up and contact your service provider directly.