Delivery Scams: Don’t Let Phishing Tricks Hook You!

Online shopping: the ultimate convenience of modern-day living. But with every good thing comes a downside, and in this case, it’s the rise of delivery scams. One of the most common is the phishing delivery scam, and trust us, you don’t want to fall for it. In this article, I’ll break down what phishing delivery scams are, how they work, and most importantly, how you can avoid them.

What are Phishing Delivery Scams?

Phishing delivery scams are a type of online fraud that preys on your excitement for your latest online purchase. These scammers use emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate delivery companies, such as UPS, FedEx, Canada Post or Amazon, to lure you into providing your personal information or making payments for non-existent goods or services. Sneaky, right?

How Do Phishing Delivery Scams Work?

These scammers have a few tricks up their sleeve. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Fake delivery notifications: Scammers send fake delivery notifications that look like they’re from a legitimate delivery company. These notifications ask you to click on a link to track your delivery or provide additional information. But when you click on the link or provide your information, the scammers can steal your personal information or install malware on your computer.
• Impersonating customer service: Scammers may impersonate customer service representatives from legitimate delivery companies and claim that there is an issue with your delivery. They may ask for personal information or payment to resolve the issue.
• Fake delivery companies: Scammers may set up fake delivery companies that offer low prices or special deals. But once you provide your payment information, the scammers will disappear, and you’ll never receive your product. Talk about a rip-off!

How to Avoid Phishing Delivery Scams?

Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to avoid these scams. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when shopping online:

• Verify the sender: Always verify the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers often use email addresses or phone numbers that appear to be from legitimate companies. But don’t be fooled!
• Look for spelling and grammar mistakes: Phishing emails often contain spelling and grammar mistakes, which can be a red flag. If it looks like a toddler wrote it, don’t trust it.
• Don’t click on links: Unless you’re certain that the link is legitimate, don’t click on links in emails or text messages. Instead, go directly to the company’s website and enter the tracking number or other information manually.
• Use secure payment methods: When making payments online, use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or PayPal. Don’t use wire transfer or gift cards, as these methods are often used by scammers.
• Keep your information private: Never provide your personal information, such as your Social Security number or banking information, to anyone you don’t know and trust. That’s just common sense.
• Use anti-virus software: Install and regularly update anti-virus software on your computer to protect against malware and other online threats. You can never be too safe!

What to Do if You’re a Victim of a Phishing Delivery Scam?

If you’ve fallen victim to a phishing delivery scam (I hope not!), take these steps:

• Contact your bank or credit card company: Report the fraud and dispute any unauthorized charges immediately.
• Change your passwords: Change your passwords for your email, banking, and other online accounts.
• Report the scam: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (US) or Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (Canada) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These agencies are responsible for investigating and prosecuting online fraud.
• Keep an eye on your accounts: Monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly to look for any unauthorized charges or suspicious activity.
• Stay vigilant: Once you’ve been targeted by a phishing delivery scam, scammers may try to target you again. Stay vigilant and be wary of any unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal information.

How to Report Fraud & Scams in Canada

Conclusion

Remember, the best way to protect yourself from phishing delivery scams is to stay vigilant and be aware of the warning signs. Verify the sender, look for spelling and grammar mistakes, don’t click on links, use secure payment methods, keep your information private, and use anti-virus software. With a little caution and a lot of common sense, you can keep your online shopping experience safe and enjoyable.

Now go forth and shop with confidence, knowing that you’ve got the knowledge to avoid those pesky phishing scams!