Did your online gift never arrive? The FTC says you don’t have to accept shipping delays. Here’s what to do, in one minute.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Warning! These shipping emails from FedEx and UPS are fakes
If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably ordered items for delivery at some point during the COVID-19 pandemic. And just like most of us, you’ve noticed delays in shipping no matter where in the country you live.
These delays aren’t happening without good reason, mind you. Shutdowns at postal and shipping facilities have snarled logistical traffic, and even Amazon is struggling to keep up with a record number of orders. Tap or click to see why Amazon wants you to shop less.
As inconvenient as shipping delays are, that’s nothing compared to the pain scammers are inflicting on people. By masquerading as FedEx, UPS and other shipping companies, these crooks are easily tricking their victims into handing over personal data. Here’s how to stay safe.
Expedited fraud
Deliveries may be delayed, but scammers are coming out of the woodwork right on cue — preying upon impatient buyers with fake shipping alerts that require “verification” for delivery. In other words, they’re using our reliance on shipping services against us to extort our hard-earned cash.
According to security reports from Kaspersky Labs, there are a few primary ways these criminals are targeting people. The first, and most obvious, involves malicious email attachments that users are supposed to fill out to confirm delivery. Don’t fall for it. Opening the file allows scammers to install a trojan on your computer.
In another variation, criminals claim there has been a delay in your shipment. You’re advised to fill out a document to ensure your package arrives on time. Yes, this too is a malicious attachment. This one is particularly insidious, since it’s based on a real-world problem affecting millions of consumers around the country — shipping delays.
Not all of these emails contain attachments, though. Some will point you to a replicated website that looks nearly identical to a real shipping service site. The image on the left, above, is the fake. The image on the right is the legitimate website. Can you tell which is which?
If you fill in your information per the scam email’s instructions, you’ll be in for a world of hurt. These websites are designed for phishing and will siphon up your information if you type it in.