How to avoid delivery and shipping scams

Are you constantly bombarded with emails about package deliveries that you didn't expect? These emails might be a scam. Package delivery scams are a type of phishing attack that attempts to trick you into giving away your personal information or login credentials. Here's what you need to know about package delivery scams and how to protect yourself from them.

What is a package delivery scam?

A package delivery scam is a type of phishing attack that involves sending fake emails or texts that appear to be from a legitimate shipping company, such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, or the U.S. Postal Service. These emails or texts may claim that there is a problem with your package delivery, or that you need to take action to receive your package. However, the goal of these scams is not to deliver a package to you. Instead, the scammers are attempting to trick you into clicking on a link in the email or text, which may take you to a fake website that looks like the real thing. Once you're on the fake website, the scammers may try to steal your personal information or login credentials.

How do package delivery scams work?

Package delivery scams typically involve sending fake emails or texts that contain a link to a fake website. The emails or texts may claim that there is a problem with your package delivery, or that you need to take action to receive your package. For example, the email or text may say that you need to pay an additional fee to receive your package, or that you need to confirm your delivery address. When you click on the link in the email or text, it may take you to a fake website that looks like the website of a legitimate shipping company. The fake website may ask you to enter your personal information or login credentials, such as your name, address, email address, and password. Once you enter your information, the scammers may use it to steal your identity, access your accounts, or send more spam emails to other people.

Guardio is a Chrome extension that monitors suspicious activity and blocks hackers from stealing your data.

How can you protect yourself from package delivery scams?

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from package delivery scams:

1. Be cautious of unexpected emails or texts about package deliveries. If you didn't expect a package, be suspicious of any emails or texts that claim there is a problem with the delivery.

2. Don't click on links in suspicious emails or texts. If you receive an email or text about a package delivery that you didn't expect, don't click on any links in the message. Instead, go to the website of the legitimate shipping company directly to track your package.

3. Use a secure payment method. If you are asked to pay a fee to receive your package, don't send cash or use a wire transfer service. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service like PayPal that offers buyer protection.

4. Be wary of unfamiliar websites. If you receive an email or text about a package delivery and decide to track your package online, be cautious of unfamiliar websites. Make sure the website you are on is the official website of the shipping company.

5. Keep your personal information private. Don't give out your personal or financial information to strangers or unfamiliar websites.

6. Report suspicious activity. If you suspect that you've been the victim of a package delivery scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States.

Guardio is a Chrome extension that monitors suspicious activity and blocks hackers from stealing your data.

Conclusion

Package delivery scams are a type of phishing attack that attempts to trick you into giving away your personal information or login credentials. To protect yourself from these scams, be cautious of unexpected emails or texts about package deliveries, don't click on links in suspicious messages, use Guardio for full online protection.