Online shopping has made life easier, but it’s also opened the door for scammers to exploit the convenience. One common tactic is the missed delivery scam, in which fraudsters impersonate delivery companies to trick victims into divulging personal or financial information.

What Is a Missed Delivery Scam?

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate delivery companies to trick you into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information. They may send emails, text messages, or even leave voicemails claiming that you missed a delivery attempt and need to reschedule or confirm your address. These messages often create a sense of urgency, telling you to act quickly to avoid missing your package. The goal of the scammers is to either steal your personal information, install malware on your device, or trick you into paying a fee for a fake delivery.

Example of the Scam

Sherman receives a text message from an unknown number claiming to be from FedEx. The message states that a package delivery was attempted, but no one was home to sign for it. The message includes a link to reschedule the delivery. Sherman clicks the link and is taken to a fake FedEx website that asks him to enter his personal information and credit card details to confirm the delivery. He enters the information, unwittingly giving it to scammers.

Tips for Protecting Yourself

• Be wary of unexpected notifications. Be suspicious, especially if you weren’t expecting a package or if the notification seems out of the ordinary.
• Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders. If you think the message might be legitimate, go directly to the delivery company’s official website or app to track your package or reschedule delivery.
• Verify with the delivery company. If you receive a missed delivery notification, verify its authenticity by contacting the delivery company directly using its official website or phone number.
• Don’t give out personal or financial information. Never reveal sensitive information over the phone or through email unless you initiated the contact and verified the caller or sender’s identity.
• Track your deliveries. This will help you spot any suspicious notifications for packages you didn’t order.

If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact us. If your account information has been compromised or if you believe you’ve mistakenly paid a scammer, let us know.
• Report the scam to the FTC. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov and your local law enforcement agency.
• Report the scam to your state attorney general. You can find their contact information at naag.org.
• Report the scam to the delivery company. Inform the delivery company that was impersonated by the scammer.
• Scan for malware. If you clicked on a malicious link, run a security scan on your device using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to check for and remove any malware that may have been installed.
• Contact your credit card company. If you provided personal or financial information, such as your credit card number, contact your credit card company immediately to report the fraud. They can help you monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity and potentially reverse fraudulent charges.

Contact us to learn more about safeguarding your financial information and securing your accounts. Our experts are here to help.