Warning for Texas: Don’t Fall for Fake Texts About Your Package Delivery

According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers use several ruses involving package deliveries to steal personal and financial information by lying and providing fake information. The BBB's ScamTracker reports that this is happening in our area.

This is the holiday season, and according to WalletHub, 90.6 million people bought items online last year just for Black Friday alone. We all know that most people shop online, and so they will respond when they think something they have paid for is in jeopardy of not being delivered.

It's scary to think about scammers' various tactics and how they change them slightly to get their hands on your money. They are sneaky, and you need to trust your gut.

What Kind of Scams Are Happening Regarding Packages Being Delivered?

Consider this scenario: You get a text message explaining a problem with a package trying to be delivered. Chris Babin with the BBB says there are different variations of this scam. Still, the person will communicate with you to get as much of your personal and financial information as they can from you.

This scenario attracts many people to click on the link. Babin says this scenario is being used in our area. Once you click the link, the scammer can install malware on your phone and access sensitive information; they can get anything on your phone.

The text sent to your phone doesn't have a contact number or website. The message says they represent one of the big delivery companies, but it's all fake. They are hoping for your response so they can get money from you.

What If I have A Note On My Door About A Package?

Babin says the scammers are so bold and ready to try anything that they have even been putting physical notes on people's doors, claiming, once again, that something is wrong with one of your deliveries.

They might claim your item was lost or stolen. They ask for information that you normally might not give out to someone you don't know. It's okay to stop, think it over, and check the situation before doing anything.

Scammers are trying everything right now to steal your money, financial information, and identity.

Babin says,

With the holidays approaching, scammers are targeting those expecting packages from online shopping. Many times they are texting and pretending to be associated with the common shipping companies, they'll tell you that you've missed a delivery or they're unable to deliver a package unless you click on the link and provide financial information.

What Can I Do To Protect Myself From These Types Of Scams?

Babin explains several things you can do to ensure your packages make it to your home or business and that you aren't harassed by something that makes you think something is wrong with a delivery.

• Don't click on a text message about a missed/lost delivery.
• Ask for a signature when you order something.
• If you aren't home, ask someone you trust to watch out for the package.
• If you aren't going to be home, send your packages to your work address. 
• Get tracking numbers for your purchases. 
• Purchase shipping insurance.
• Open and inspect your packages as soon as you receive them. 

Babin wants you to remember that you can go to the actual site where you are expecting a package to see where your package might be, and you can call the legitimate website to ask questions.

It's okay to take your time to make your decision about responding to any contact someone tries with you. If you don't trust something, don't click the link, hang up, and throw away the note.

If you want to know what scams are happening in your area and to report a scam, you can go to the Better Business Bureau's website to check ScamTracker.

Officials also say that if you have experienced something like this, you should report it to the police.