How to Spot and Avoid a Package Delivery Scam

Tips to Protect Yourself

Whether you're ordering essentials or gifts, staying alert to scams can protect you from potential headaches. Here are some simple steps to safeguard yourself:

• Double-Check Before You Click: Always double-check the sender’s email address and the URL they typically ask you to click. Scammers use email addresses and links that include slight misspellings like "fedx.com" or "fed-ex.com." Or, the link may be a combination of random characters.
• Use Tracking Numbers Directly on Carrier Websites: If you receive a notification about a package, avoid clicking on links. Instead, visit the carrier’s official website (e.g. DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS) and manually enter the tracking number.
• Be Wary of Urgent Language: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly. If a message seems overly urgent or threatening, take a moment to verify its legitimacy.
• Spot the Typos and Errors: Phishing messages often contain grammatical mistakes or awkward wording, which can be a red flag that it’s not a legitimate communication from a reputable company.
• Keep Track of Your Orders: If you're expecting multiple packages, it's easy to get confused. Keeping a list of your orders can help you quickly identify legitimate notifications. And, if you haven’t ordered anything, any communication regarding a package is more than likely a scam.
• Don’t Pay Additional Fees or Share Personal Information: Reputable delivery companies will never request extra fees via text or email to complete a delivery, nor will they ask for your personal or financial information. Be cautious of messages claiming you need to confirm your banking information or provide payment through third-party apps like Zelle or PayPal—these are often red flags for scams.

Bonus Tip: Stick to Trusted Retailers and Websites

Before those packages arrive at your doorstep, your online shopping journey starts with finding the right gift online. Unfortunately, fraudsters often create fake websites and social media ads that often offer items at a significant discount—a common tactic used in online shopping scams. According to the 2023 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, online purchase scams ranked as the third riskiest scam reported by consumers last year.

To avoid falling victim while searching for great deals, start by shopping on trusted websites. Stick with well-known retailers or verified sellers with established reputations. Before clicking "buy," take a few moments to research the seller. Read reviews, verify the site's legitimacy, and carefully inspect the URL to ensure it’s spelled correctly and starts with “HTTPS.” A padlock icon in the address bar is another reassuring indicator of a secure connection, helping protect your personal information. And remember—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Where Can You Report a Package Delivery Scam

If you’ve fallen victim to a package delivery scam (or almost), don’t keep it to yourself. Reporting it helps prevent others from being scammed too. Here’s where to go:

• FTC (Federal Trade Commission): You can file a complaint online at ftc.gov.
• Your local postal service: For USPS-related scams, report it at uspis.gov.
• Better Business Bureau: If you think you’ve been targeted by a delivery scam, report it to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker website.
• Your Financial Institution: If you’ve shared payment info, contact Park View or your financial institution immediately to prevent unauthorized charges.

Shop Safely This Season

While online shopping is a convenient way to purchase the perfect gifts, being cautious about package delivery scams is just as important. By recognizing the red flags and following the tips to protect yourself outlined above, you can help ensure your package arrives safely, without the risk of identity theft or financial loss. For more tips on how to avoid package delivery scams, visit the Better Business Bureau’s website.