Next-Level Package Delivery Scams: 9 Ways to Avoid

Package delivery scams are a massive headache for all web surfers because of the constant need to be on the lookout for scammers. We're not talking just about the malicious link from a fake delivery email notification. We're talking about next-level delivery fraud.

Here is an example: the scammers make you order something online. Then, they make it impossible for you to keep track of what you've purchased or want you to think the delivery is a gift from a friend or relative. The redemption button will take you to a platform where you need to enter personal or financial data that criminals can use for identity theft. However, this is just an example.

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This article will give you some insights to avoid actual package delivery scams.

1. Designate Secure Delivery Locations

Risk transfer in online purchases depends mainly on the parties' agreement. If you specify a secure delivery location and the shipper cancels the shipment of the package, then it is safe to assume that this is a scam.

After designating a secure delivery location, you can track your package throughout the entire process while ensuring your legal rights when receiving the package.

For this location, you can install a front door camera or high-resolution video doorbell, which allows you to monitor the whole transaction process without a dead angle once the dispute can be used as video evidence to defend the rights.

2. Safeguard Personal Information

Currently, personal information seems transparent in our daily life. There are thousands of ways to extract your private information from every activity in your social life. So, how do we fend off personal information breaches and theft?

The methods are various. You can create strong passwords, control your sharing incentives on the media, use free WiFi with caution, watch out for links and attachments, and check to see if the address is accurate.

Preventing your personal information from leaking is difficult, but you can still take measures to avoid it.

3. Use Trusted Retailers and Delivery Services

When shopping online, choose a reputable retailer with a track record of safe delivery. These retailers have a base of many customers, so their security and authority are guaranteed over the average company. You need to check many customer reviews and ratings ahead of time to ensure a good shopping experience.

In addition, choose an established delivery service that offers reliable tracking and delivery confirmation to check if you are subjected to scam calls effectively.

There are even businesses that offer same-day delivery in specific geographic locations. They can significantly reduce the probability of being subjected to a package scam. With the growing emphasis on online grocery, such delivery services have expanded in the US and the UK.

4. Verify URLs and Websites

Double-check the URL and the website before clicking on any link related to package tracking or courier updates. Scammers often create convincing replicas of legitimate websites to trick unsuspecting users. Check for the “https://” prefix and look for misspellings or unusual characters in the URL. Also, check the SSL / TLS certificate of the website and look for a green padlock symbol next to the website address.

You can also verify a site's trustworthiness by checking out its domain name in Scam Detector's website validator HERE.

Standard websites have an “About” page at the bottom detailing who they are, usually setting a prevalent company or website simplicity. This characteristic is a common practice, and most websites will build their “About” page in the early stages of website development. You should be wary if you don't see an “About” page.

5. Utilizing Secure Payment Methods

Being able to pay in a secure payment channel allows for double protection. The first is a guarantee from the bank, which will sure enable you to trace the source of each payment and provide good follow-up in case of disputes, such as the recovery of funds and other operations.

The second is the protection from the platform. A trustworthy platform can make people's transactions smoother and significantly reduce the probability of fraud.

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an efficient identity and access management security method. It requires two forms of identification in order to access resources and data. Dual Identity Authentication (2FA) enhances the authenticity of a person's identity.

Instead of simply providing their username and password, the process asks users to provide two different authentication factors before accessing an application or system.

In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks in the cybersecurity environment, 2FA is a critical security tool for organizations to protect their data and users.

7. Keep Track of Your Online Orders

When tracking a package, use only the official channels the retailer or courier company provides. Avoid clicking on third-party links or pop-up ads that promise quick updates on tracking information, as these may lead to phishing.

In general, you need to follow the standardized process of accepting courier deliveries, and we should not see some links from unknown sources and click on them. The package tracking can also tell if the delivery is a scam delivery.

8. Recognize Suspicious Emails and Texts

Be cautious if you unexpectedly receive an email, phone call, or text about a package. Because typical deliveries will state where they are sent and where they are received, and some will even indicate the name of the sender. Generally speaking, standard parcels are sent by regular companies that have their processes and will not send an extra package for no reason.

However, scammers often use a sense of urgency and fear tactics to pressure you into revealing personal information or making a payment. Contact the retailer or courier company using their official contact details rather than replying directly.

9. Report Scams Timely

Stay calm and determine the damage. When it comes to online scams, we need to try to stay calm and never panic. Report to the police as soon as possible to prevent secondary fraud. After determining the loss, we must report it to the police as quickly as possible and not contact the network fraudsters to prevent secondary fraud. Collect evidence adequately preserved.

Network fraudsters are generally contacted through the media and the victim contact; first of all, the victim should save all the evidence, as well as transaction records; it is best to have the bank's transaction records but also call documents or network links, and the other party's contact information.

How To Report Package Delivery Scams

Let your close family and online friends know about these 9 ways to avoid package delivery scams. Feel free to share this page if it was helpful. Meanwhile, you can report scammers and any other suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the portal below:

Report To The FTC Here

How To Protect Yourself More

If you want to be amongst the first to receive news about the most notorious scams every week, subscribe to our Scam Detector newsletter. You will receive periodic emails from us with insightful tips. That will include how to prevent fraud and information about the newest tools you can use to fight crime.

Meanwhile, feel free to educate yourself with some other Amazon fraud-related articles. They are listed under this paragraph, so that you know more about online security. Last but not least, if you have any bad experiences, make sure to use the comments section below to expose other scammers.

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