Parcel delivery scams are fraudulent attempts to trick you into providing personal or financial information through fake emails, texts, or door tags that claim there's an issue with a delivery. These scams use urgency to get you to click malicious links, call fake numbers, or pay bogus fees, and they can lead to identity theft or financial loss. 

Texts, Emails, and Voicemails
Many delivery scams start with a legitimate looking text message or an email about delivering a package to your address. These messages often include a "tracking link" that you are urged to click in order to update your delivery or payment preferences, that will prompt you to enter personal information. Or, in clicking the link malware installs on your phone or computer that steals personal information.

You might also get a voicemail message with a call-back number, or a "missed delivery" tag on your door with a number to call. A scam "operator" will ask to verify your account information or the credit card number you used for a purchase.

Imposter scams often illegally spoof phone numbers to make themselves appear like a legitimate company or even a government agency.

Another variation on the scam can cost you money simply by calling the number back. The fake delivery notice will include a call back number with an 809 area code, or other 10 digit international number. Calling back can result in high connection fees and costly per minute rates.

How to Prevent a Parcel Delivery Scam
If you receive suspicious email, text or phone messages, go to the delivery carrier's website directly or use the retailer's tracking tools to verify the sender's identity and avoid these scams.

Common Warning Signs of Scams:

• Unexpected requests for money in return for delivery of a package, often with a sense of urgency.
• Requests for personal and/or financial information.
• Links to misspelled or slightly altered website addresses, such as "fedx.com" or "fed-ex.com."
• Spelling and grammatical errors or excessive use of capitalization and exclamation points.
• Certificate errors or lack of online security protocols for sensitive activities.

If you receive any information about an unexpected package delivery, err on the side of caution. Follow the tips above to keep your information and finances secure.