Fake Package Delivery: Useful Tips to Avoid Getting Duped

Posted on: Jun 5, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Fake Package Delivery: Useful Tips to Avoid Getting Duped

In an era where technology is ultimate, India’s digital landscape has inflated dramatically. From bustling e-commerce platforms to the comfort of online banking, our lives have grown intricately linked to the digital sphere. However, with every step made, a new threat sneaks in the shadows: cyber fraud. With the increasing population and growing importance of technology, a significant segment of society remains at risk, leading to the potential theft of finances by anonymous hackers. Cybercriminals have become more advanced as the internet continues to be a crucial aspect of our daily routines. Their abilities grow, their deceptions improve, and their influence spreads greatly. The financial world has seen various fraudulent activities, from the widespread prevalence of UPI-related scams to sophisticated schemes that entice victims with false investment returns. QR code scams, part-time work deceptions, and the worrying rise of fake delivery scams targeting people have all contributed to a more complex danger landscape.

What is a Package Delivery Scam?

After bank scams, package delivery scams are the most common scams in India. Post-pandemic, people have exceptionally turned to online shopping, and the rise of several e-commerce and quick commerce platforms has fuelled the trend of online shopping. Fake parcel scam is at its peak during the holiday season. In India, it is during Diwali or Navratri that people are vulnerable to such types of scams.

Package delivery scams include fraudsters imitating legitimate delivery firms to defraud naive consumers. They exploit people’s trust in respectable courier businesses to carry out their fraudulent operations. The scam usually begins when victims receive phoney delivery alerts or phone calls claiming to have an item waiting for delivery or a failed delivery attempt. They typically ask for confirmation of the delivery address and other essential information. Some scammers request a re-payment to deliver the parcel. The goal is to obtain the victims’ personal information, financial details, and physical belongings. With the advent of cybercrime, businesses like Flipkart, Amazon, ECom, Ekart, etc., have become more aware of and concerned about client data. Delivery companies implemented the OTP to guarantee more secure client delivery.

Tips to Stay Protected from Package Delivery Scams

Here are some useful tips to avoid falling prey to fake delivery scams.

• Use the Official Website to Check the Package Status

Prevention is better than cure, so always verify delivery notices before taking action. Verify the tracking number provided on the courier business’s official website. Legitimate delivery companies provide detailed tracking information, such as the status and location of your shipment. Use this feature wisely.

• Never Receive any Unknown Package

Before receiving any package, confirm that you or someone in your family has ordered something to your address. This is the most important thing to do since scammers sometimes fake the delivery to lure customers into the scam. If you are not expecting any package, resist your urge and never accept it under any circumstances.

• Beware of Suspicious Sender ID

Check to see if the name or phone number associated with the SMS is real. For example, a fake phone call may come from an unfamiliar area code, and a suspect branded sender's name may have a misspelling. So, instead of ‘EKart,’ your text could be ‘ECart’, which is not legitimate.

• Do not Click on Suspicious Links

It is suspicious if the SMS hyperlink comprises arbitrary characters rather than a valid domain name, such as www.rz-ahgasdl8.com. Shortened URLs can also be suspicious, as they are sometimes used in smishing attacks. Disengage with the text message at the first sign of suspicion: block, report, and delete.

• Do Not Disclose Your Personal Information to Anyone

It is important to never share personal information online or over the phone with anyone. Reputable courier companies will never request sensitive details like Aadhar card numbers or credit card information via phone, text, or email. Be cautious of requests for that information that you did not ask for.

• Install Security Software

Using reliable security software is imperative to safeguard your devices. These programs can help identify and stop malware from infiltrating your system via phishing emails or malicious websites. Set up two-factor SMS verification to keep scammers from entering your bank accounts or accessing other sensitive information, even if they steal some of your credentials.

• Trust your Instinct

If you ever feel like you are getting scammed, there are chances that you are. Do not ignore your instinct; trust it. If you get a call saying your parcel contains illegal things or a failed delivery attempt, and you need to make a minimal payment to get your package, immediately disconnect the call. Scammers can use psychological manipulation to influence emotions and decision-making. Do not fall for fake delivery scams.

• Opt for Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance for shopaholics as a policy protects them from malware and ransomware cyber-attacks. It also covers financial losses from fraudulent acts involving information technology infrastructure and activities.

You can also opt for cyber insurance for your family to safeguard every member from every type of cyber fraud, including package delivery scams. Better be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

Thanks to its vast population of mobile and internet users, India has become a desirable hub for innovation and economic growth, specifically in the digital sector. The digital landscape in India is flourishing despite the continued risk of digital fraud. Despite continual updates to our digital infrastructure, there is room for improvement in hackers’ mechanisms to trick innocent and gullible victims. Due to the increasing popularity of e-commerce, delivery services for food or packages have become well-liked, allowing for quick and effective deliveries right to our homes. The scammers use this to take the ball in their court and dupe people through package delivery scams. You can avoid victimising package delivery scams by remaining vigilant, checking delivery notices, protecting personal information, and staying aware of typical scams. Remember that awareness and caution are your strongest defences against the ever-changing landscape of internet fraud. If you believe you have fallen victim to such a fraud, call 112 or 1930, or report at https://cybercrime.gov.in/. You can also file a formal complaint at your nearest Cyber Crime Police Station.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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