Holiday Scams Target Shoppers With Fake Delivery Alerts
A November 3 report from radio station WFMD warns of holiday scams aimed at shoppers, led by fake delivery notices that try to steal money and personal information. Simple habits, like not clicking links and checking orders directly with the carrier, can keep you safe.
The holiday shopping season brings a wave of scams aimed at your phone and inbox, and older adults are a favorite target. In a report published November 3, Maryland radio station WFMD laid out seven schemes to watch for this season, from fake delivery alerts to copycat online stores.
One of the most common tricks is a fake delivery notice. You get a text or email that claims a package could not be delivered and asks you to pay a small fee or confirm your address through a link. The link leads to a page built to steal your money or personal information. Scammers lean on the season because so many of us really are waiting on packages.
Here are the warning signs. Watch for a message that demands an unexpected fee, since the Postal Service does not charge for redelivery. Look closely at the web address, because scammers use lookalike names that are a little off from the real one. Be wary of urgent phrases like final notice or act now, and of any request for your Social Security number, passwords, or card details.
The safest habit is simple. Do not click links in messages you did not expect. Instead, go straight to the carrier or store on your own, using its official app or website, and check the tracking number from your original order. You can report a suspicious text by forwarding it to 7726, which spells SPAM, and you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
A few other holiday schemes are making the rounds. Copycat websites mimic well known retailers with deep discounts that are too good to be true. Some sellers push you to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, which are hard to trace and hard to get back. And fake charities tug at the giving spirit of the season. When in doubt, slow down, and confirm any deal, refund, or donation through a source you look up yourself rather than one handed to you in a message.
Go Deeper
What is the fake delivery scam?
It is a text or email claiming a package you ordered could not be delivered. It asks you to pay a small fee or confirm your address through a link that leads to a page built to steal your money or personal information.
How can I spot a scam message?
Watch for unexpected fees, since the Postal Service does not charge for redelivery. Look for lookalike web addresses that are a little off, urgent phrases like final notice, and any request for your Social Security number, passwords, or card details.
What should I do instead of clicking?
Do not click links in messages you did not expect. Go straight to the carrier or store on your own, using its official app or website, and check the tracking number from your original order.
Where do I report these scams?
You can forward a suspicious text to 7726, which spells SPAM, and report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What other holiday scams should I watch for?
Copycat retail websites, sellers who demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, and fake charity appeals. When in doubt, confirm any deal, refund, or donation through a source you look up yourself.
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