Delivery Box Scam: In the age of online shopping, receiving packages at your doorstep has become an everyday affair. But what if we told you that the very boxes those deliveries come in could be used against you? Welcome to the latest fraud making headlines: the Delivery Box Scam.
This scam preys on something most people overlook: discarded delivery boxes. After a package is opened, many toss the box out without a second thought. But these boxes often still have shipping labels attached, complete with your name, address, and phone number. That’s all a scammer needs to begin impersonating delivery agents, customer support, or even government officials.
Fraudsters collect delivery boxes from dumpsters or local waste piles, especially in residential or apartment-heavy areas. Using the personal details found on them, they either call the victim pretending to be from a courier company or send fake SMS alerts, often claiming a delivery issue, address error, or customs duty to be paid. Many fall for it, especially when the call seems to contain accurate personal information.
An even more common variant is the “India Post scam”, where victims receive messages stating their parcel couldn’t be delivered due to an incomplete address. These texts come with a link prompting users to update their details. Once clicked, these links lead to phishing websites that mimic the India Post interface, where unsuspecting users may enter sensitive data, including credit card numbers.
1. Destroy Shipping Labels: Before throwing out a delivery box, remove or destroy any label containing personal information.
2. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Never open links in unsolicited delivery-related messages. Instead, visit the official courier website or app.
3. Verify Calls or Messages: If you receive a call or SMS about a delivery issue, hang up and call the company’s verified customer service number.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to local cybercrime authorities or platforms like the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
What seems like harmless trash can actually make you vulnerable to fraud. Stay alert and spread the word: awareness is the first line of defense against scams like these.
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