Online holiday scams are a growing concern. During the gift giving season, thousands of people become victims of fraud. Criminals can rob you of not only your money, but your personal information. The most common scams during the holidays are delivery related crimes.
With the approaching Holiday Season combined with the aftermath from Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping sprees, many people will be expecting packages. With the expectation of a package, many will be less cautious when receiving messages about package delivery. Multiple delivery companies are being impersonated by scammers.
NON-DELIVERY SCAMS
In a non-delivery scam, a buyer pays for goods or services they find online, but those items are never received. Essentially, a criminal promises a highly sought-after item and collects a payment. Then, the purchased item is never delivered. Often these criminals will advertise on popular social media platforms, and they will re-create a website, social media account, or a landing page of a popular brand. Many of these scams are conducted by organized crime groups that have set up websites, salespeople, call centers, and payment systems. Scammers also provide contracts, emailed invoices, proformas, and paperwork on official letterhead. Finally, victims are given fraudulent links or tracking numbers.
Criminals will trick people with bogus websites or social media ads made to look like real ones. When clicked, malware may download onto your device or they may request personal information. Advertisements will offer popular items at a fraction of the usual cost.
DELIVERY SCAMS & PHISHING
A notification sent via text, email, or by a phone call with information about a delivery that isn’t real. The message looks and feels like its from a legitimate package carrier, like the United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, or UPS. The message may have a tracking link and may ask you to confirm your order before it will be delivered. Also, the message will ask you to reschedule your delivery because an unsuccessful delivery attempt was made.
Some delivery scams start with the victim receiving a text message or an email that includes a link. When the link is clicked on, the site has a request for you to update your delivery or payment preferences. If the message has a link, it’s a phishing link that wants you to enter your personal or it will install malware onto your device as soon as it is clicked. Other means of communication include voicemail messages with a callback number or a missed delivery notice on your door with a number to call.
These messages often look or sound legitimate, but you should never click a link or call back an unexpected phone number. Instead, contact the delivery service or seller directly using a verified number or website.
POSSIBLE DELIVERY SCAM WARNING SIGNS
- Unexpected requests for money in return for delivery of a package, often with a sense of urgency. You may have to pay a customs fee or tax before the delivery can be made.
- A request for personal or financial information.
- Links to misspelled or slightly altered website addresses.
- Scams often illegally spoof phone numbers and caller-id used in calls and texts to try to trick you into thinking that the number is from a legitimate company or even a government agency.
- A fee needs to be paid before the package delivery.
- A link in the message takes you to a fake site that will collect your personal or credit card information.
- The package is delayed and confirmation of delivery time is required.
- The package could not be delivered, and you need to reschedule delivery.
- You need to install an app to track or reschedule delivery.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HOLIDAY SCAMS
- Only purchase from legitimate companies and beware of bogus websites.
- Check online reviews and consumer protection groups.
- Do not disclose your personal or bank information.
- Be wary if asked to make a payment to a bank account located in a different country.
- Keep your radar on high alert, especially if you are asked to pay unplanned fees.
- Never pay with gift cards or prepaid credit cards. In these scams, a seller will ask you to send them a gift card number and PIN.
- Do not click any suspicious links or attachments in emails, on websites, or on social media.
- Be especially wary if a company asks you to update your password or account information. Look up the company’s phone number on your own and call the company.
- Check each website’s URL to make sure it’s legitimate and secure. A site you’re buying from should have https in the web address. If it doesn’t, don’t enter your information on that site.
- If you’re purchasing from a company for the first time, do your research and check reviews.
- Verify the legitimacy of a seller before purchasing. If you’re using an online marketplace or auction website, check their feedback rating. Be wary of buyers and sellers with mostly unfavorable feedback ratings or no ratings at all.
- Avoid sellers who act as authorized dealers or factory representatives of popular items.
- Never wire money directly to a seller.
- Use a credit card when shopping online and check your statement regularly. If you see a suspicious transaction, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.
- Monitor the shipping process.
- Always get tracking numbers for items you buy online.
USEFUL LINKS
- To learn more about identity theft fraud safety visit ID Theft Center.
- If you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site to learn more.
- If you believe your Social Security Number is being used fraudulently contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.
- It’s a good idea to get a copy of your credit report each year from each credit-reporting agency. You can get a free credit report yearly from the Annual Credit Report website at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228 where you will go through a simple verification process over the phone. It is important that you obtain and review a copy of your credit report once a year to make sure your information is accurate.
- For financial literacy, check out Upgrade| our blog or our financial education page.
MORE AT PEARL HAWAII
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What is Financial Elder Abuse? Understanding Financial Exploitation
Improve Account Security With Transaction Alerts
Your Account Security & Regulation E
Protecting Yourself From Social Media Scams
Protecting Yourself From Online Crime | Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing
Online Security For Your Accounts
Pearl Wallet | Protect You And Your Cards
RESOURCES
Internet Crime Complaint Center
10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud
FTC: Privacy, Identity & Online Security
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Scams Targeting Taxpayers
Tips for Safe Gift Card Use: Retail Gift Card Association
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
IRS Identity Theft-Related Guidance
Identity Theft Resource Center | 1-888-400-5530
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