Free shipping and two-day shipping are a boon for holiday shoppers wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of in-store shopping. It’s also a boon for scam artists who call or email to let you know you’re receiving a package, or that a package can’t be delivered, but who are really after your credit or debit card information.
In scenario No. 1 you get a phone call informing you a package is on the way. Later, a delivery person is at your door holding a gift basket. Although who sent the gift is unknown (there isn’t a gift card attached), you decide to accept the gift. This is when the delivery person informs you that you need to pay a “verification fee.” He slides your payment card through a hand-held scanner and off he goes – with your credit/debit card number, PIN and/or security code.
In scenario No. 2 you receive an email from a delivery company – FedEX, UPS, etc., – stating a package could not be delivered. You’re asked to open an attachment in the email in order to obtain the airbill or invoice needed to pick up the package at a nearby distribution site. However, the attachment contains a virus that downloads onto your computer leaving you vulnerable for identity theft.
Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming offer these tips:
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Be suspicious of a package from an unrecognized delivery service or source. If a friend or family member wants to surprise you, they will likely send a gift using an established service.
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Do not give your credit or debit card to someone at your door. Unless you requested the package and expected to pay something, you shouldn’t have a fee at delivery.
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Asking for ID is OK, but not a credit card. It is not out of the ordinary to ask for identification when alcohol is delivered, but the receiver would not be required to pay a fee to receive a gift
Start With Trust®. Visit bbb.org/holidayscams for more information on scams that occur this time of year.