BBB warns shoppers about holiday delivery scams, package theft: Stay protected while shopping online
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Special to the News
The holiday season brings an increase in online shopping and package deliveries, creating opportunities for scammers and package thieves to target busy consumers.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Central and South Alabama urges shoppers to stay alert to delivery scams and take precautions to prevent package theft, commonly known as “porch piracy.”
How Scammers Exploit Holiday Deliveries
Delivery scams often involve fake text messages or emails claiming issues with your package. Scammers impersonate delivery drivers or companies like USPS, FedEx, or UPS, asking you to click links or share personal information to “resolve” delivery issues.
Common Delivery Scam Tactics:
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Phishing Texts and Calls: You may receive a text such as, “The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please confirm your address here: [fake link].” Clicking these links can lead to malware or stolen personal information.
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Fake Delivery Driver Messages: A scammer may pose as a driver, saying, “Hi! I’m Tony from FedEx, trying to find your house. Please call me.” Calling back may lead to requests for sensitive details like your address or credit card information.
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Delivery Fee Scams: Scammers may ask you to pay a small fee to reschedule delivery, only to steal your credit card details.
How to Avoid Delivery Scams:
- Track Deliveries: Keep a list of what you’ve ordered and expected delivery dates. Scammers rely on confusion about your packages.
- Avoid Clicking Unsolicited Links: Delivery companies will not request personal information through texts or emails.
- Verify Communications: If you receive a suspicious message, contact the company using official customer service channels.
- Pay with Credit Cards: Using a credit card provides added fraud protection.
Protecting Against Package Theft
Porch piracy is another common holiday threat, with thieves targeting homes where packages are visible and accessible. According to a recent study, package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise last year.
Pro Tips to Deter Porch Pirates:
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Don’t Leave Packages Unattended: Schedule deliveries for when you’ll be home or ask a neighbor to collect them.
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Ship to Secure Locations: Consider shipping packages to stores, pickup lockers, or post office boxes.
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Use Security Cameras: Install cameras or video doorbells and display signage that your home is under surveillance.
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Require Signatures: Opt for signature-required deliveries to ensure items are not left unattended.
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Set Notifications: Use delivery tracking services and apps to monitor your packages’ arrival in real-time.
What to Do if a Package is Stolen:
- Report the theft to your local police department and the delivery company.
- Check with your delivery service for insurance options or reimbursement policies.
For more tips on avoiding holiday scams and protecting your packages, visit BBB.org. If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help protect others.
