BBB issues holiday shopping warnings – Gadsden Messenger

The holiday season brings an increase in online shopping and package deliveries, creating opportunities for scammers and package thieves to target busy consumers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges shoppers to stay alert to delivery scams and take precautions to prevent package theft, commonly known as “porch piracy.”

Delivery scams often involve fake text messages or emails claiming issues with your package. Scammers impersonate delivery drivers or companies like USPS, FedEx, or UPS, asking residents to click links or share personal information to “resolve” delivery issues.

Common delivery scam tactics include:

* Phishing texts and calls: Residents may receive a text such as, “The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please confirm your address here: [fake link].” Clicking these links can lead to malware or stolen personal information.

* Fake delivery driver messages. A scammer may pose as a driver, saying, “Hi! I’m Tony from FedEx, trying to find your house. Please call me.” Calling back may lead to requests for sensitive details such as address or credit card information.

Delivery fee scams. Scammers may ask you to pay a small fee to reschedule delivery, only to steal your credit card details.

Ways to avoid delivery scams include:

* Tracking deliveries. Keep a list of what you’ve ordered and expected delivery dates. Scammers rely on confusion about your packages.

* Avoiding clicking unsolicited links: Delivery companies will not request personal information through texts or emails.

Verifying communications. If you receive a suspicious message, contact the company using official customer service channels.

Paying with credit cards. Using a credit card provides added fraud protection.

Protecting against package theft. Porch piracy is a common holiday threat, with thieves targeting homes where packages are visible and accessible. According to a recent study, package thieves stole over $18 billion in merchandise last year.

Tips to deter porch pirates include:

* Not leaving packages unattended. Schedule deliveries for when you’ll be home or ask a neighbor to collect them.

* Shipping to secure locations. Consider shipping packages to stores, pickup locker or post office boxes.

* Using security cameras. Install cameras or video doorbells and display signage that your home is under surveillance.

* Requiring signatures. Opt for signature-required deliveries to ensure items are not left unattended.

* Setting notifications. Use delivery tracking services and apps to monitor your packages’ arrival in real-time.

If a package is stolen, report the theft to the local police department and the delivery company. Also, check with delivery service for insurance options or reimbursement policies.