The Costly Scam of Fake Package Deliveries
As Christmas approaches, many people start shopping online for gifts. Scammers know this and take advantage of the chaos. Make sure the packages you pay for are the ones you ordered, or it could cost you dearly.
TL;DR
If you receive a package, always double-check that you actually ordered it. Unexpected deliveries can sometimes be a sign of scams, that make you unknowingly end up paying for something you never wanted.
- Only pay for what you have ordered and avoid paying for other's packages
- Check the sender's details and discrepancies between the expected price or size
- Monitor your email notifications
- Report incidents and stay alert during the holidays
Shopping online makes getting ready for Christmas easier and more comfortable. No more crowded stores, full parking spots, and long lines to wait in. However, there are some risks you should be aware of, especially during the holiday season.
How do scams using fake packages look?
In many cases, scammers obtain personal information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, and use it to make the fake packages appear more legitimate.
- The package arrives at your address with your correct personal information.
- The sender is unknown or from abroad.
- The package is marked as cash-on-delivery. It also might be sent via a delivery box, which makes you more likely to pay for it, since you cannot inspect it. Sometimes, the package is addressed to a family member, and you end up paying for it on their behalf.
- Inside, the package typically contains cheap or low-quality goods, worth far below the price you paid.
Why are these scams particularly popular right now?
Since the Christmas season is near, people order online more frequently than usual. Since you order a lot more and Christmas is already a busy time for all of us, these scammers take advantage of our inattentiveness. They believe that you will not notice anything out of the ordinary if you receive one more package than you ordered or mistake their package for the one you have actually ordered.
How to protect yourself?
- Be aware of what you ordered. - If you did not order a package, do not pay for it.
- Check the sender address - Make sure it is the sender you are expecting. Do not pay for packages from an unknown sender.
- Make sure prices match - If you order a package online, ensure the delivered package costs the exact amount you expected to pay.
- Look for size difference - If the package size looks off, it might be better to not pay for it. For example, if it seems too small to hold the item you ordered.
- Contact the e-shop - If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact the seller. Better safe than sorry.
- Check your emails - Before receiving the item you ordered, you should be informed about its shipment by the seller, including the parcel number.
- Do not pay for packages someone else ordered - Even if the package is addressed to your family member, do not pay for it unless they informed you about it beforehand.
- Keep the packaging and receipt - They might be helpful in case you were scammed.
Have you been a victim of this scam?
If you have already paid for and received the package, here are some steps you should take according to the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade :
- Contact the police and tell them all the necessary details.
- You can also contact the Czech Trade Inspection Authority.
- If you need help or advice, ask consumer organisations.
- Share your story and warn others.
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