As the holiday shopping season intensifies, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a significant rise in fraudulent delivery text scams. These scams aim to deceive consumers, particularly during a time when many expect multiple packages. In the Tri-State area alone, these scams have already led to significant financial losses for unsuspecting shoppers.
Understanding the Scam
The fraudulent messages typically claim there is an issue with a delivery, urging recipients to take immediate action. Common tactics employed by scammers include:
- Urgent language that pressures recipients to respond quickly.
- Requests for sensitive personal information such as addresses or Social Security numbers.
- Demands for fake delivery fees requiring immediate payment.
- Threats of returning packages to the sender if payment is not made.
Ainsley MacDougal, a representative from the BBB’s Cincinnati office, highlighted the impact of these scams on local residents. She noted a recent case where a woman lost $180 through Zelle after being told her package was on hold and requiring a fee for release.
Recognizing Red Flags
The BBB has identified several warning signs that indicate a text message may be fraudulent:
- Pressure tactics such as “You need to pay right now or we will return your package.”
- Unusual payment requests through apps like Zelle or Venmo, or via gift cards.
- Complicated verification processes that require sensitive personal information.
- Generic sender information that lacks specific branding from legitimate carriers.
MacDougal advises consumers to be cautious during this busy season. “I know it’s a stressful time of year for everybody and you’ve got a lot coming in the mail,” she said. “But take a moment to think before reacting and clicking on suspicious links.”
Protecting Yourself from Scams
To safeguard against these scams, consumers should avoid clicking on links in suspicious texts. Instead, they should verify package status through the official websites or mobile apps of delivery companies. Legitimate carriers will never request payment or personal information via text message.
If you receive a suspicious delivery text, report it using the BBB’s scam tracker. Doing so helps alert other consumers and assists in monitoring emerging scams.
In addition to digital scams, the BBB in Cincinnati has reported an increase in physical package theft during the holiday season. To avoid becoming a victim of “porch pirates,” it is recommended to bring packages inside as soon as possible after delivery. The combination of digital scams and package theft poses a dual threat to holiday shoppers, underscoring the importance of vigilance in protecting personal information and purchased gifts.
For anyone who has experienced fraudulent delivery texts, the BBB encourages sharing these incidents to raise awareness and to help others stay safe during this busy shopping period.