These scams are common, especially during holidays or when online shopping is active
Posted Date – Tue, 09 May 23 at 12:45pm
A fake package scam is a fraudulent practice in which a scammer pretends to be a legitimate delivery company or postal service and sends a false message, email or phone call informing the recipient that they have a package waiting for them and asking them to pay a fee or provide a personal information to retrieve it.
These scams are becoming more common, especially around the holidays or when online shopping is active. To avoid falling victim to a fake package scam, it is important to stay vigilant and follow these tips:
Be wary of unexpected or unsolicited messages claiming to be from delivery companies or the postal service.
Verify the authenticity of the message by checking the sender’s email address or phone number, or calling the delivery company directly using a phone number from a trusted source, such as their official website.
There are not many fake courier scams
* Scammers send messages or emails to notify recipients of their pending delivery and ask them to click a link or download an attachment to track the package. Links or attachments often contain malware that can compromise a victim’s device and steal personal information.
* Scammers may contact the victim and claim that the package has been held by customs or that additional customs clearance fees will be required for delivery.
* Phishing tactics may be used by scammers to obtain personal information or login credentials from victims.
* Some scammers call victims directly and tell them they have found drugs and weapons confiscated by the courier that was supposed to deliver them. If the victim claims that he was charged with false charges, the scammers will ask for bank or income tax related information etc. to substantiate their claims.
*Another pattern scammers use is they steal money by approaching the neighbors of their target customers and asking them to call that person and ask for an OTP.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is important to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any message or email claiming to be from a package or other courier company.
Here are some tips to avoid falling for fake package or courier scams:
* Beware of Unsolicited Messages: Scammers often send unsolicited emails, text messages or social media messages claiming to be from couriers or other delivery companies.
* Verification Source: Check the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers often use fake or altered email addresses that resemble real ones.
* Do not click on links or download attachments: Scammers may include links to fake websites or attachments that contain malware.
* Courier companies will never ask you to provide personal or financial information via email or text message.
* If you get a message claiming you have a package waiting for you, please check the tracking number to make sure it is genuine.
* If you shop online, please use a secure payment method like UPI or credit card. Never send money via wire transfer or gift cards, as these are often untraceable and cannot be recovered if lost in a scam.
* Before confirming receipt of payment, please be sure to open the receiving package.
* Try to use verified platforms to pay online, and avoid scanning QR codes for cash on delivery.
If you are a victim of cybercrime, call toll-free 1930, Citizen Financial Fraud Management Systems, or file a complaint at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
