CINCINNATI — As packages pile up during the holiday shopping rush, scammers are targeting consumers with increasingly sophisticated fake delivery notifications designed to steal personal and financial information.
The Better Business Bureau is issuing urgent warnings about a surge in fraudulent delivery texts targeting holiday shoppers who expect multiple packages. These scams have already cost consumers hundreds of dollars in the Tri-State area alone.
How the scam works
The fraudulent messages typically claim there's a problem with your delivery and urge you to take immediate action. Common tactics include:
- Urgent language demanding immediate response
- Requests for personal information like addresses or Social Security numbers
- Fake delivery fees requiring instant payment
- Threatening consequences such as returning packages to sender
WATCH: Tips experts say can protect you from the scams
Local impact
Ainsley MacDougal with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Cincinnati office confirms these scams are actively targeting Tri-State residents with costly results.
"We had one woman lose $180 over Zelle because she was told that her package was being held up at a warehouse somewhere and she needed to pay a fee," MacDougal said.
Red flags to watch for
The BBB identifies several warning signs that indicate a fraudulent delivery text:
- Pressure tactics like, "You need to pay right now or we're going to send your package back to its original sender."
- Unusual payment requests through apps like Zelle, Venmo or gift cards
- Complicated verification processes asking for sensitive information
- Generic sender information without specific carrier branding
How to protect yourself
Don't click suspicious links
"I know it's a stressful time of year for everybody and you've got a lot coming in the mail potentially, but slow down and really take a minute to think before having that knee-jerk reaction of, oh, I gotta click this link, and I need to solve this issue," MacDougal said.
Verify through official channels
Instead of clicking links in suspicious texts, go directly to the carrier's official website or mobile app to track your packages. Legitimate delivery companies will never ask for payment or personal information via text message.
Report suspicious activity
If you receive a fraudulent delivery text, report it using the BBB's scam tracker. These reports help warn other consumers and track emerging scam trends.
Package theft on the rise
Beyond digital scams, the Cincinnati BBB reports an increase in package theft compared to previous years. To protect against porch pirates, bring packages inside as soon as possible after delivery.
The combination of delivery scams and physical package theft creates a double threat for holiday shoppers, making vigilance essential to protect both personal information and purchased gifts.
Have you received fraudulent delivery texts? Taylor wants to hear from you. You can contact her here:
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