Better Business Bureau serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia offers tips and advice for consumers to avoid fraudulent practices.
Online purchases and package deliveries skyrocket during the holiday season. Naturally, scammers use this opportunity to trick busy shoppers into giving out their personal information. Here is what you should know about a new twist on delivery scams.
You receive a text message from what appears to be a delivery driver looking for your home. It says something like this: "Hi! My name is Tony. I work for FedEx, and I am trying to find your house. Please call me." If the message seems a little strange to you, trust your gut. It is a scam!If you call the number, the scammer will ask you to confirm your personal details, including your name, address, and possibly even your credit card information. If you do not remember ordering anything that needs to be delivered, the caller may try to convince you the package is a gift from a friend or relative. According to BBB.org/ScamTracker, the callers are often friendly and professional, making the scam harder to spot.Also, look out for text or email messages that ask you to reschedule a delivery or pay a small delivery fee. These messages often look legitimate – containing official logos and using professional language. But if you click, you may download malware onto your computer that gives con artists access to personal information and passwords.In either case, the package does not exist. If you give up your personal information, it will be in the hands of con artists, and you will be at risk of identity theft.