Package delivery scam: How to avoid falling victim

December is here again, bringing the end of the year and the festive season. As always, this time of year is filled with the excitement of holidays and celebrations.

During this period, people all around the world, including in Nigeria, prioritise shopping for Christmas and New Year to create memorable moments with their loved ones.

While some prefer to visit physical stores and traditional shopping malls, others turn to online shopping for the convenience and flexibility it offers.

Online shopping, also known as e-shopping, enables individuals to purchase items from the comfort of their homes, with packages delivered directly to their doorsteps. Deliveries are typically handled by a courier employed by the seller or through reputable delivery companies such as FedEx or DHL.

Unfortunately, fraudsters in recent times have been exploiting the delivery process to scam unsuspecting online shoppers.

This scam, commonly referred to as the package delivery scam, involves scammers impersonating legitimate delivery companies. Their objective is to deceive individuals into providing personal or financial information or paying fraudulent fees.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at the common characteristics of this scam and how you can protect yourself.

Characteristics of a Package Delivery Scam

1. Unexpected Notifications

Scammers may send messages claiming you missed a delivery or need to update shipping information.

2. Urgency

Many scammers create a sense of urgency, suggesting immediate action is required to avoid losing a package.

3. Links to Fake Websites

These messages often include links to fraudulent websites designed to mimic legitimate delivery service sites. These sites may request personal or financial information or install malware on your device.

4. Spoofed Contact Information

Scammers may use phone numbers or email addresses that appear to belong to legitimate companies, making it harder to spot the scam.

5. Fake Fees

Scammers might ask for a small “delivery fee” to release a package, tricking victims into providing payment details.

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How to Avoid Falling Victim

1. Protect Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive details, such as banking information or your address, with unsolicited callers, emails, or text messages claiming to be from a delivery company.

2. Be Cautious of Unexpected Deliveries

If you receive a notification about a package you didn’t order, avoid providing personal or payment information. Contact the company directly to verify the message’s legitimacy.

3. Verify the Sender

If you receive a suspicious message, reach out to the delivery company using a verified phone number or their official website and not the contact details in the message.

4. Look for Subtle Warning Signs

Be wary of messages with poor grammar, misspellings, or unusual requests for personal information.

5. Contact the Company Directly for Missed Deliveries

If you find a “missed delivery” tag on your door, contact the delivery company directly using their official phone number instead of the number provided on the tag.