Consumer Alert
Package delivery scam — delivered to your inbox
Expecting packages shipped to your home this holiday season? You’re not the only one… scammers are, too.
Did you get a text message with a shipment tracking code and a link to update your delivery preferences? It's a scam. Learn more.
We’ve learned of a phony “delivery failure notification” email making the rounds. It looks like it’s from the U.S. Postal Service — but it’s not. The email says you missed a delivery. But, it says, if you print the attached form and take it to your local post office, you can pick up your package and avoid penalties. The message might also include a link for more details.
Here’s the truth: the email is bogus and there is no package. And if you download the attachment or click on a link, you’re likely to end up with a virus or malware on your device.
Con artists often use the names and logos of familiar organizations to get under your guard. So how do you tell what’s legit and what’s a scam? Here are some ways to spot a bogus email:
- It tells you to click on a link or download an attachment
- It urges you to take immediate action
- It asks you to “re-confirm” personal or financial information
Another sure sign an email is a scam? If you hover over the link in the email, it won’t show the official website of the supposed sender — in this case, the U.S. Postal Service website.
For more tips, check out our articles on phishing and malware. And if you have questions about a delivery by the U.S. Postal Service, visit usps.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS.
Scams
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In reply to Good afternoon, by Kitchie V.
This sounds like a scam. This can happen when you meet someone online. They offer to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, you get a message from an official that says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. That's because the person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the fake official. They're working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money, and may ask for more. If you send money by wire transfer, you can't get it back.
In reply to Please help me.i meet a guy by Mary joy 16
In reply to I have a friend online his by Rose
In reply to Received text from 714-746 by Dontgetscammed
In reply to I keep getting these text by k-lee
You can report these at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.
The information you put here on the blog doesn't go into the secure law enforcement database.
In reply to Good Evening ill just ask by Anastasia
This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online. They offer to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, a company suddenly says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. The person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the company . They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money. They might ask for more money. This sounds like a scam to take your money, and there is no package.