Urgent Delivery Notification? Don’t Click!

With the holiday season in full swing, you may be expecting a package delivery in the coming days or weeks. It also means you are probably anxiously awaiting any news about the progress of that all-important delivery.

Unfortunately, scammers are abundantly aware of the rise in package deliveries and delivery notifications associated with this time of year and are eager to take advantage of your anticipation.
 

Delivery Phishing Messages

Whether you’re expecting a delivery or not, the last thing you want to discover is that a package intended for you has been held, delayed, or returned to the sender, instead of reaching your doorstep.

Typically received via text or email, fake delivery notifications will indicate there is an issue – such as an incorrect address or zip code – preventing your package from being delivered on time. Because the scammer knows how badly you need or want that delivery, the message will also include a convenient and easy path to resolution. All you have to do, is click on a link.

That link, however, is the gateway to a phishing scam. Clicking on it could allow scammers to access your personal and banking information, ultimately compromising your identity and stealing your money.
 

How to Avoid Delivery Phishing Scams

Be Wary of Unexpected Deliveries. Being that it’s the season of giving, you may very well be receiving a surprise package in the mail from someone you know and trust. Exciting as that prospect may be, it’s no reason to get complacent. If you haven’t ordered anything, any communication regarding a package is more than likely a scam.

Don’t click the link. Instead, contact the delivery service referenced in the message directly, using the company’s verified number or website. They can help you determine if the notification was legitimate.

Check Order and Delivery Status Directly. If you are expecting a package delivery, don’t assume a text or email notification is legitimate. Go directly to the retailer’s website to check the status of your order and/or confirm any issue with shipping.
 

Reporting Delivery Scams

If you think you’ve been the victim of a delivery phishing scam, have provided personal information or transferred money, contact your bank immediately so they can assist in protecting your accounts. Additionally, report the message to the appropriate agencies and carriers:

• Report suspected package scams to the Federal Trade Commission, online or toll-free at 877-382-4357. If the scam occurred online, report it as well to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

• Forward suspicious messages that claim to be from UPS to fraud@ups.com for investigation, then delete the message.

• Report suspicious messages that appear to be from FedEx via abuse@fedex.com.

• Forward suspicious U.S. Postal Service emails to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at spam@uspis.gov.