Fake Cell Towers in Canada: How to Block 2G Downgrade Attacks & Protect Your Phone
TL;DR: Criminals are using portable devices known as "SMS blasters" to force nearby smartphones onto outdated 2G networks. This 2G downgrade allows them to send convincing "smishing" (SMS phishing) texts pretending to be legitimate brands like Canada Post or 407 ETR. You can significantly reduce your risk by disabling 2G connectivity on your device. What is an SMS Blaster? An SMS blaster, often called a False Base Station (FBS) or IMSI-catcher, is a device that mimics a legitimate cell tower. When you are in range, your phone may automatically connect to this rogue signal instead of a secure TELUS tower. Once your device is connected, the attacker can: Force a 2G Downgrade: Most modern phones (LTE/5G) are designed to fall back to older networks if necessary. The fake tower exploits this by broadcasting a strong signal that tricks your phone into dropping its secure connection for the unencrypted 2G network. Send Smishing Texts: They use this unencrypted connection to push fake SMS messages (e.g., "URGENT: Outstanding toll fees for 407 ETR"). Cause Temporary Interruptions: You may notice your phone briefly loses signal or cannot place calls/use data while connected to the rogue tower. How to Block 2G Downgrade Attacks The most effective defense is to manually restrict your phone from connecting to 2G networks. Android Devices Steps vary by manufacturer, but you can typically find the toggle here: Device Path Samsung Galaxy Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Allow 2G (Set to OFF) Pixel Settings > Network and Internet > Mobile Network Security > Enable 2G network protection Other Android Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > TELUS - StaySafe > Allow 2G (Set to OFF) iPhone (iOS) Apple does not currently offer a simple "Turn off 2G" toggle. If you are concerned about targeted threats, the only built-in method to restrict these network types is Lockdown Mode. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll to the bottom and select Lockdown Mode. Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode. Note: Lockdown Mode is an extreme security setting. It rejects 2G/3G networks but also limits some browsing features, blocks many message attachments, and restricts FaceTime calls from unknown numbers. What to do if you receive a suspicious text If you receive an unexpected message regarding urgent payments, toll fees, or delivery issues: Do Not Click Links: These are often designed to steal your credentials or financial information. Verify Directly: If you are unsure if a message is legitimate, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you have sourced independently never use the contact info provided in the suspicious text. Report It: Forward any suspicious text messages directly to 7726 (SPAM on most mobile keypads) so we can investigate and notify the network. Contact Authorities: If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) immediately. FR versionGet To Know The My TELUS App
Get To Know The My TELUS App Did you know we have a highly rated app that allows you to check your bills, usage, and much more at the tip of your fingers? We know that your time matters, and the My TELUS app has got you covered! Let's take a look at everything you can do with the app. The benefits of using the My TELUS app Making changes to your plan & add-ons Viewing your bill & usage details Setting up data notifications & limits Checking/keeping track of your data usage Reduced wait times on the phone How to create & access your account 1. Download the My TELUS app on your iPhone or Android device or text “app” to 54555 to download. Alternatively, you can also access the web version here. 2. Once downloaded, you’ll have the option to sign up for My TELUS or log in (if you’ve already created an account in the past). 3. Log in and you’re ready to go! You can now make changes to your services & view your usage details. If you have any questions, reach out to us over on our Facebook page or Xaccount, or send a private message to our TELUS_Support handle and we'll be around to help! FR versionHow to Swap Your TELUS SIM Card
SIM card swapping enables your device to connect to the TELUS network. Follow these steps to perform the swap yourself without visiting a store. Prerequisites Before starting, ensure you have: Your new TELUS SIM card Your current device (powered on and connected to the TELUS network) Access to your My TELUS online account SIM Card Swap Procedure Keep your device powered on with the old SIM card inserted. Log into your My TELUS account online. Navigate to "Plans & Devices" at the top, then click "Device," followed by "Swap your SIM card." Enter the number from your new SIM card. Complete the two-factor authentication: Choose to receive the verification code via SMS or email Enter the 6-digit verification code you receive Once the system confirms the swap is complete, power off your device. Remove the old SIM card and insert the new one. Power your device back on. Verify the connection by making a test call. Troubleshooting If you encounter issues during the swap process: Ensure you're entering the correct SIM card number Double-check that you're using a valid verification method (SMS or email) If the swap doesn't complete, wait a few minutes and try again When to Contact TELUS Reach out to TELUS customer support if: You can't complete the SIM swap online Your device fails to connect to the network after the swap You need additional assistance with SIM card configuration TELUS experts are available to help resolve any technical issues and ensure your device functions correctly on the network. You can contact TELUS through their official support channels or reach out via their Facebook page for assistance. EN versionReporting Spam
Here at TELUS we are constantly working to prevent spam texts and other fraudulent communications from reaching our customers. There are actions you can take as well to not only spot a spam message but to report it to our team for investigation. The main things to remember if you receive a spam text message are: Forward the spam message to the shortcode 7726 (SPAM). If you're receiving more than one, we recommend putting 7726 into your contact list so it's easily remembered. Don't respond directly to the number that sent you the spam text. This will alert the spammer that your number is genuine and active. If you're not able to view the number or if it's email spam, forward us the entire message (along with the subject header if it's an email). How To Forward a Spam Text From Your Phone To 7726 iPhone 1. Touch and hold the message 2. Select More 3. Select the message you want to forward, then select the arrow in the bottom right corner 4. Enter 7726 5. Select Send Android / Windows 1. Press the message (be careful not to activate / tap on a link) 2. Choose Forward (from the menu) 3. Forward to 7726 *Reporting spam to 7726 is free. Messages forwarded to 7726 don't count toward your data or Messaging bucket iMessage Spam Reporting The key difference between an iMessage and an SMS message is the colour of the text. An iMessage text appears in a blue bubble, whereas an SMS message appears in a green bubble. If the spam text you receive appears in green, you may need to report it using the steps above. If the spam is an iMessage and comes from someone not saved in your contacts, you'll see a message stating that "the sender is not in your contact list" and you'll have the option to Report junk. Alternatively, you can send an email to [email protected] with this information: A screenshot of the message The email address or phone number that sent you the iMessage The date and time you received the spam iMessage Android Spam Reporting To report a spam message on your Android device: On your Android phone or tablet, open the Messages app Touch and hold the conversation you want to report Tap Block --> Report Spam --> OK You can also open a conversation and report it as spam. From the conversation, tap More Options --> Details --> Block & Report Spam --> OK Please note: This is for SMS/MMS spam only. If you receive email spam, it can be reported directly by forwarding it to [email protected] If you have further questions about spam messaging or any other messages you receive, don't hesitate to ask the community at our Neighbourhood Forums or reach out to us over at our Facebook page as well. FR versionTraveling With Easy Roam
Easy Roam lets you use your existing data and minutes in other countries. Add the feature before you travel to avoid higher roaming charges. How to Add Easy Roam Through the My TELUS app: Open the app and select "Usage" Tap "Easy Roam" Turn on the feature By text message: Text TRAVEL to 7626 Reply EASY when you receive instructions Billing and Usage Daily charges: Easy Roam bills from activation until 11:59 PM that day. Each 24-hour period counts as one day of usage. Automatic renewal: The feature renews daily while you're traveling unless you disable it. Avoid Charges When Not Using Easy Roam Turn off both settings to prevent Easy Roam from activating the next day: Disable Data Roaming in your phone settings Enable Airplane Mode Making Calls to Canada Dialing format varies by country. Visit howtocallabroad.com for specific instructions based on your location. Text messages to Canada: Use the same international dialing format required for calls. When You Return Home Easy Roam stops billing automatically when you're back in Canada. No action needed to disable the feature. When to Contact TELUS Contact TELUS before traveling if you're unsure about Easy Roam rates for your destination, need help activating the feature, or experience unexpected charges. Check your bill after returning to verify all Easy Roam charges are correct. Version FrTELUS Mobility Vacation Suspension
Vacation suspension reduces your monthly bill while you're away. Your service pauses and resumes when you return. Eligibility and Duration All monthly plan customers can suspend service for 1-6 months per year. Active service agreements continue unchanged during suspension. Suspension Costs Mobile phones and tablets: $30/month plus device payments (if applicable) Wireless internet devices (Smart Hub, portable hubs, internet keys): $10/month Device payment plans continue at regular rates during suspension. How to Suspend Your Service Visit the TELUS Mobility Vacation Suspension page Select "Log in" under "Please log in to start this process" Enter your telus.com/mytelus username and password Choose the phone number to suspend Complete the form fields and select "Submit" You'll receive a confirmation email when the process completes. The system will notify you if no eligible mobility services exist on your account. Have home services? Visit the Home Services Suspension page to learn more on how to pause internet or home phone service. Early Return Contact TELUS to reactivate your service. Reactivation takes a few minutes. Alternative: Travel with Your Service Keep your phone active while traveling: Check roaming rates at telus.com/travel for your destination Text ROAM to 7626 for Easy Roam details and pricing When to Contact TELUS Contact TELUS if you need to reactivate service early, have questions about device payments during suspension, or need help with the suspension process. Call customer service for immediate assistance with activation or technical issues. Version FrHow to Pay Your TELUS Mobility Bill
Pay your TELUS bill using your credit card, debit card, or online banking. Choose the payment method that works best for you. Set Up Automatic Payments Automatic payments withdraw your bill amount each month from your chequing account, credit card, Visa Debit, or MasterCard Debit. On My TELUS Website: Log in to your My TELUS account Select the account you want to set up (if you have multiple accounts) Select "Set up pre-authorized payments" Complete the online form and submit On My TELUS App: Download the free My TELUS app and go to the Billing tab to set up automatic payments. Make a One-Time Payment On My TELUS Website: Log in to your My TELUS account Go to the Overview or Billing tab Select the account you want to pay (if you have multiple accounts) Click "Make a payment" or "Pay Bill" Complete the payment form You can save your credit card information for faster future payments. Through Online Banking: Log in to your bank's website, app, or call telebanking Add TELUS Mobility as a payee Enter your TELUS account number (found on your bill or Client Service Agreement) Submit your payment By Phone: Call 1-866-558-2273 and follow the automated prompts to pay with a credit card. You can also check your balance, update payment details, or notify us of a payment. For Prepaid Devices: Call #123 from your TELUS prepaid device Enter your PIN Press 5 to register a credit card Follow the prompts to enter your card details Wait for confirmation At Your Bank: Bring your bill or remittance slip to your local bank or financial institution. Payments take up to 5 business days to process. Using Clik2Pay (Interac e-Transfer) If you see the Clik2Pay icon on your bill or collection notice, you can pay via e-Transfer: Click the Clik2Pay icon in your bill or notice Choose your bank from the Interac gateway page Log in to your online or mobile banking Verify and approve the payment Clik2Pay uses bank-grade security. Learn more at clik2pay.com. When to Contact TELUS If your payment doesn't appear on your account after the expected processing time, you're having trouble setting up automatic payments, or you need help choosing a payment method, contact TELUS Mobility support through your My TELUS account or send our TELUS_Support account a private message here on the Neighbourhood. Version FRTrack Your TELUS Device Order
Enter your order number in our Order Status tracker to see real-time updates from purchase to delivery. Order Status Meanings Order Processed Your order is being prepared for shipment. Processing takes 3-5 business days for most devices, longer for high-demand or limited stock items. You'll receive a tracking number by email once shipped. If we need additional information, we'll contact you by email. Order Approved Your order is ready to ship. Watch for an email with your tracking number at the address you provided during checkout. Order Shipped Your package is on its way. Check your email for the courier name and tracking number. Delivery takes 2-5 business days from ship date. More Information Needed We cannot complete your order without additional details. Check your email for instructions, then contact [email protected] with your order number. Order Cancelled Your order has been cancelled. Refunds are processed within 3-5 business days to your original payment method. No Order Number Found The order number entered doesn't match our records. Verify the number in your confirmation email and try again. When to Contact TELUS If your order status hasn't updated after the expected timeframe, you haven't received tracking information, or you have questions about your order, reach out through the TELUS Facebook page or send a private message to our TELUS_Support account here on the Neighbourhood. For order-specific issues requiring immediate attention, email [email protected] directly with your order number. Version FRChange Number of Rings Before Voicemail Picks Up
Your phone rings a set number of times before calls go to voicemail. You can customize this timing to give yourself more or less time to answer. Setting Your Ring Duration Two activation methods are available. Try Method 1 first, and if it doesn't work try Method 2. Method 1 Open your phone's dial pad Enter: *61*[your voicemail access number]**[ number of seconds]# Press Send or Call Wait for confirmation message Example: *61*16045953000**20# This sets a 20-second delay (4 rings). Note: Timer value must be in increments of 5 seconds to a maximum of 30. To turn off this feature, dial #61# and press Send. Method 2 Open your phone's dial pad Enter: *004*[your voicemail access number]**[number of seconds]# Press Send or Call Wait for confirmation message Example: *004*16045953000**15# sets a 15-second delay (3 rings). Note: Timer value must be in increments of 5 seconds to a maximum of 30. To turn off this feature, dial #004# and press Send. Device Limitations This feature does not work with Smart Hubs or Wireless Home Phone devices. Samsung phones do not support ring duration customization. When to Contact TELUS If both methods fail to activate, or you're unsure of your voicemail access number, contact TELUS support. They can verify your device compatibility and provide your specific voicemail access number. Version FR
