Recognize the red flags of a delivery scam

Tips to recognize a delivery scam: Scambusters #1,185

Online shopping has created new chances for scammers to trick consumers. Delivery scams fool people into thinking they have packages that need to be picked up or delivered. This can lead to loss of money as well as theft of your personal information. Knowing how these scams work can protect you.

Delivery Scams: How to Protect Yourself From Fraudulent Package Scams

Scammers use clever tricks to make their delivery scams look real. They send messages that look official, saying you have a package that needs extra payment, personal information, or urgent action. These scams are becoming more common as people depend on home deliveries for everything, from groceries to electronics.

Delivery scammers follow a predictable pattern when executing their schemes:

Scammers start by getting your contact information. They may do this through data breaches, buying lists, or simply generating random names. Then, they send messages that look like they come from real shipping companies. These messages create a sense of urgency about packages that are pending or that have failed to deliver.
Next, scammers direct you to fake websites or ask you to communicate with them directly. They do this to steal your payment information and personal details. They might also follow up with more requests for verification or extra access to your accounts.
Finally, these criminals use your stolen information to commit fraud, or they sell it to others for ongoing identity theft schemes.

Common Types of Delivery Scams

Delivery scams come in different types. Each type aims to steal money or personal information from victims.

Fake Delivery Fees – Scammers send messages claiming your package is stuck in transit and requires additional payment for customs, insurance, or delivery fees. They provide links to fraudulent payment portals that steal your credit card information.
Redelivery Scams – Some schemes say that a delivery attempt failed and ask for fees to reschedule or for your updated address. Scammers grab personal details and payment information while pretending to help with the delivery.
Prize Delivery Cons – Scammers tell victims they have won prizes or valuable items. To receive these, victims must pay shipping fees or taxes. However, these prizes do not exist, and victims lose money by paying for fake delivery costs.
Package Confirmation Fraud – Scammers send emails that look official, asking you to confirm delivery details for packages you didn't order. If you click on the links or give them your information, it can lead to identity theft or malware on your device.

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How Scammers Target Their Victims

Scammers use multiple methods to identify and contact potential delivery scam victims.

Data Breaches and Purchased Lists – Criminals obtain personal information from data breaches at retailers, shipping companies, or online platforms. They use this information to create convincing messages that reference real companies or recent purchases.
Social Media Mining – Scammers scan social media profiles for information about recent purchases, deliveries, or shipping complaints. They use these details to craft personalized scam messages that appear legitimate.
Random Contact Campaigns – Many delivery scams use mass messages to target random phone numbers or email addresses. Scammers send out a lot of messages, hoping some people will have deliveries waiting. This makes the scam seem believable.
Holiday and Shopping Season Targeting – Scammers are more active during busy shopping times when people expect many deliveries. This includes holidays like Black Friday and Christmas, as well as the back-to-school season, which all see a rise in delivery scam attempts.

Items Commonly Used in Delivery Scams

Scammers use different types of packages to make their schemes look convincing.

Scammers often target high-value electronics like smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles because victims are more likely to pay delivery fees for these expensive items. They also mention designer clothing, jewelry, and luxury goods to create a sense of urgency.
Everyday items like books, household supplies, and personal care products are often part of the scams targeting online shoppers. Scammers also use medical supplies and prescription medications to take advantage of people's health concerns and create a false sense of urgency.
Some scammers pretend to deliver gifts from family members or offer surprise packages from unknown senders. They use these tricks to tap into your curiosity and emotions, hoping to make you ignore your logical doubts.

Methods Scammers Use for Delivery Scams

Delivery scammers use different ways to communicate and various payment methods to carry out their scams.

Text Message Scams – Scammers often use SMS delivery scams because text messages feel personal and urgent. They send links to fake tracking websites or payment portals that are meant to steal your information.
Email Phishing – Email delivery scams often look like they come from real shipping companies, using official logos and formats. These messages often contain harmful links or ask you to reply with personal information.
Phone Call Schemes – Email delivery scams often look like they come from real shipping companies, using official logos and formats. These messages often contain harmful links or ask you to reply with personal information.
Fake Websites and Apps – Scammers make fake versions of real shipping company websites and apps. These fake platforms trick users into giving away their login details, payment information, and personal information.

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Red Flags to Watch For

Several warning signs can help you identify delivery scams before falling victim.

Unexpected charges – Legitimate deliveries usually do not have extra fees after you make a purchase.
Urgent deadlines – Scammers create fake urgency about package expiration or return policies.
Suspicious contact information – Be cautious of messages from unknown email addresses or unfamiliar phone numbers.
Poor grammar and spelling – Be cautious of messages from unknown email addresses or unfamiliar phone numbers.
Requests for unusual payment – Be cautious of requests for payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Pressure tactics – Threats about losing your package or facing legal trouble for not paying.
Generic greetings – Messages that say "Dear Customer" instead of using your actual name.

Always check delivery notifications on the official company websites or apps instead of clicking links in messages that seem suspicious.

An example of a typical delivery scam:

Sarah gets a text that pretends to be from FedEx, saying there was a problem delivering a package. The message uses her first name and claims she needs to pay a $15 redelivery fee for an iPhone. It includes a link to a website that looks just like FedEx's official site.

The fake website asks for her credit card information to pay the fee and requests her Social Security number to "verify identity." After giving this information, Sarah realizes she didn't order an iPhone. She checks the real FedEx website and finds no packages pending. Soon after, Sarah notices unauthorized charges on her credit card, and someone tries to open new accounts using her stolen identity.

This situation shows how delivery scams use familiar scenarios and official-looking messages to trick people into trusting them.

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Steps to Take if You're Victimized

If you believe you have fallen victim to a delivery scam, act quickly to lessen any possible damage.

Contact Your Financial Institutions – Notify your bank and credit card companies immediately if you provided payment information. Request account monitoring and consider freezing accounts if necessary.
Report the Scam – Contact your local police department. Include all communication records and transaction details.
Document Everything – Save screenshots, emails, text messages, and any other evidence related to the scam. This documentation helps with investigations and potential recovery efforts.
Monitor Your Accounts – Check bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts regularly for unauthorized activity. Consider placing fraud alerts with credit reporting agencies.

Available Resources for Delivery Scam Victims

Several organizations provide assistance for delivery scam victims.

The FTC offers reporting tools, recovery guidance, and educational resources at IdentityTheft.gov.
The Better Business Bureau maintains scam tracking databases and provides local assistance through regional offices.
Check out this video about a woman who keeps getting mystery packages she did not order. Riverton woman keeps getting packages she didn't order. Mistake or scam?
Internet Crime Complaint Center - The central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime.

Conclusion

Delivery scams will keep changing as more people shop online. Being aware and careful can help protect you from these scams. Always check unexpected delivery messages through official sources. Do not give personal information in response to unsolicited messages. Trust your gut if something seems off.

Share this information with family and friends, especially those who might be more at risk. Building a community that knows about these scams can help protect everyone from the financial and emotional harm they cause.

Stay vigilant, verify communications independently, and remember that legitimate shipping companies will never request sensitive information through unsolicited messages.

Remember, Stay Alert and Stay Informed!