Package Delivery Scams might be something you only think about around the holidays; however, they can occur anywhere at any time. These scams are successful because they work by taking advantage of people’s trust in delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. They often target people through either text message or email and the goal is to deceive their victims into revealing personal and/or financial information that can be used against them later. Package delivery scams also involve fraudulent communications that claim to be from a legit business or shipping company. These messages will typically state that the victim either has a package waiting on delivery or a missed delivery and now they must pay a fee to get their items. Most of the time, those messages the victim receives will have a link to a fake website which looks almost identical to an official shipping company website. Scammers try and get as much personal and financial information as they can, often asking for debit/credit card information or having the victim click a link and unknowingly download malware (malicious software) to their device. Here are some red flags to look out for in a Package Delivery Scam and some tips on how to avoid becoming a statistic.
🚩Unsolicited Messages: If you get a message of any kind out of the blue about a package, don’t answer it, just delete. Remember, if you didn’t order anything there is no reason to be contacted by a delivery service. If you are waiting on an order, still be leery of any message you receive from the shipper. Most of the time, you have to opt-in for shipping notifications when you place an order as well.
🚩🚩Be extremely cautious of any URL or link in text messages and emails as scammers often use these to appear legit. Once you click on the link, you could be sent to a fake website or unknowingly download malware potentially giving the scammer access to your device. Hover over the link to preview the destination URL to be sure any link will send you to the company’s actual website.
🚩🚩🚩 If you receive a message from a shipping company asking for sensitive information it is most likely a scam. A legit company is not going to need your SSN, credit/debit card details, or passwords to be able to deliver your package.
🚩🚩🚩🚩 Urgency and threats are the biggest weapons in any scammers arsenal. The goal is to put as much pressure on their victim as possible in order to get them to act without thinking. As with any type of fraud, scammers want their victims to panic and do exactly as they say with no time for rational thought.
🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 Be extremely wary of messages asking for any type of payment. Scammers will typically ask for shipping or delivery fees, unexpected taxes, and/or customs fees. Normally, any such fees are included in the final price you pay at checkout and would not be sent via an unsolicited message.
Preventative Measures:
Any time you receive strange communication with a shipping company, be sure to think before you act. Ask yourself, did I even order anything or should I be expecting a package? Always verify the messages through sites you trust, check sender email addresses for slight alterations mimicking official contacts (example “upsdelivery@gmail.com” instead of “@ups.com), use security software to protect against viruses and malware, and report any suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By being aware of the red flags and taking precautions you can avoid financial losses and possible identity theft.
Everyone have a safe fraud free weekend!
Tara Montgomery
Exchange Bank of Alabama
Fraud Specialist
(256) 691-0328
