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The Fake Delivery Scam: Be Doubly Alert While Paying or Sharing Information With Delivery Agents

  • Date : 05/09/2023
  • Read: 3 mins

An introduction to the fake delivery scam, an understanding of the method of fraud carried out, and how to avoid them.

Fake delivery scams

Do you often get your shopping items delivered at home? Beware, scammers are looking out for households like yours that receive a lot of home deliveries. An elaborate home delivery scam is being used to swindle people across India. 

  • Online ordering of things and getting them delivered to the home is very common

  • Fake delivery scams exploit this trend

  • Victims fall prey by clicking on links or by sharing OTPs

  • The cybercrime cell helpline must be used promptly in case a scam has happened or been attempted

Also Read: Alert: Fake Messages Lead To Massive Losses For 40+ Bank Customers In 3 Days 

How the Fake Delivery Scam Works?

Fraudsters and scammers visit a home disguised as delivery agents. They inform the host that they have come to deliver a package that is receiveable by cash-on-delivery. They collect the order amount, which is the first part of their scam. 

To collect the amount, the delivery agent may also share a payment link. By clicking on this link, you provide the scammers access to your phone. Subsequently, they take over the controls of your phone completely to access your net banking facility, UPI, and other critical financial apps.

It is expected that many customers refuse to admit that they have placed such an order. Hence, they refuse to pay. In this case, the delivery agent pretends to cancel the order and asks for an OTP. They claim that the OTP is required to cancel the order.

Once you give them the OTP they gain access to your phone and hack it to steal money. Many scammers also ask the neighbours of the victim to give them a call and ask for the OTP.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed?

Some of the golden rules to avoid these scams are –

  • Don’t share the OTP unless you are absolutely certain

  • Open the package to make sure that the goods you actually ordered have arrived before payment and delivery confirmation

  • Avoid clicking on links and websites, and disclosing personal information on them

  • Avoid paying on QR codes. Instead, pay online on the verified platform.

  • Check your order history

Also Read: 5 Steps To Take To Prevent E-Commerce Fraud 

Conclusion

Apart from knowing the latest tricks that scammers are up to, you must be careful while dealing with delivery agents and payments. If you or someone you know falls prey to these scams, you can report it to the cybercrime cell through their helpline number 1930 or their website cybercrime.gov.in. These cells are known to be active and take prompt action to block the fraudulent transaction. It has also been reported that on receiving a complaint, they investigated the matter, nabbed the culprits, and arranged for a refund of the amount to the victim's account.

Click here for the latest articles on Wise Up

Also Read: Loan Scams In The Digital Age: What To Watch Out For 

Do you often get your shopping items delivered at home? Beware, scammers are looking out for households like yours that receive a lot of home deliveries. An elaborate home delivery scam is being used to swindle people across India. 

  • Online ordering of things and getting them delivered to the home is very common

  • Fake delivery scams exploit this trend

  • Victims fall prey by clicking on links or by sharing OTPs

  • The cybercrime cell helpline must be used promptly in case a scam has happened or been attempted

Also Read: Alert: Fake Messages Lead To Massive Losses For 40+ Bank Customers In 3 Days 

How the Fake Delivery Scam Works?

Fraudsters and scammers visit a home disguised as delivery agents. They inform the host that they have come to deliver a package that is receiveable by cash-on-delivery. They collect the order amount, which is the first part of their scam. 

To collect the amount, the delivery agent may also share a payment link. By clicking on this link, you provide the scammers access to your phone. Subsequently, they take over the controls of your phone completely to access your net banking facility, UPI, and other critical financial apps.

It is expected that many customers refuse to admit that they have placed such an order. Hence, they refuse to pay. In this case, the delivery agent pretends to cancel the order and asks for an OTP. They claim that the OTP is required to cancel the order.

Once you give them the OTP they gain access to your phone and hack it to steal money. Many scammers also ask the neighbours of the victim to give them a call and ask for the OTP.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed?

Some of the golden rules to avoid these scams are –

  • Don’t share the OTP unless you are absolutely certain

  • Open the package to make sure that the goods you actually ordered have arrived before payment and delivery confirmation

  • Avoid clicking on links and websites, and disclosing personal information on them

  • Avoid paying on QR codes. Instead, pay online on the verified platform.

  • Check your order history

Also Read: 5 Steps To Take To Prevent E-Commerce Fraud 

Conclusion

Apart from knowing the latest tricks that scammers are up to, you must be careful while dealing with delivery agents and payments. If you or someone you know falls prey to these scams, you can report it to the cybercrime cell through their helpline number 1930 or their website cybercrime.gov.in. These cells are known to be active and take prompt action to block the fraudulent transaction. It has also been reported that on receiving a complaint, they investigated the matter, nabbed the culprits, and arranged for a refund of the amount to the victim's account.

Click here for the latest articles on Wise Up

Also Read: Loan Scams In The Digital Age: What To Watch Out For 

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