Package Delivery Scams

Online shopping has soared in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic and with it brings a rise in scams attempting to steal your personal information. According to an article posted on Fraud.org, a new technique scammers use is a fake package delivery scam. Consumers will receive a text message, phone call, or email from sources that look like USPS, FedEx, or UPS saying they have a package waiting to be delivered, but some information is needed first. The consumer is asked to click a link to verify personal or payment information to the scammer to ensure delivery. People who fall for this scam can not only lose money but have their identity stolen as well. Learn how to protect yourself from this scam with the helpful tips below:

1. If you get any attachments or links in an email or text message that you do not recognize, do not open them. If you receive a phone call claiming to be the package delivery service, do not press any numbers to be connected to a representative. Hang up and reach out to the delivery service, with a verified phone number, if you are expecting a package.
2. If you do click on a suspicious link, do not give out any of your personal information such as mailing address, social security number, or any bank account information, even if it is just to verify your identity.
3. Don't be pressured to give out your personal information even if a message says it's urgent. This is a common scare tactic scammers use to get you to act before you think.
4. If you get notified that you have a package, but you're not sure if it's true, the best thing to do is go to the delivery company's website and enter a tracking number if you're expecting a package.
5. If you receive a spam text message, text it to short code 7726, which sends a message to GSMA's Spam Reporting Service. This is a service run by major U.S. wireless carriers to help identify trends in scam texts. You can also report these scams to the secure online complaint form at Fraud.org.

You can read the full Fraud.org article here.

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