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Package Scams

In today's fast-paced digital age, the convenience of online shopping and package delivery has become an integral part of our lives. However, with this convenience comes a new wave of scams targeting unsuspecting consumers and businesses alike. Delivery scams have evolved into sophisticated schemes, exploiting our reliance on shipping services to deceive and defraud. From fake text messages mimicking reputable shipping companies to unsolicited packages with malicious intents, these scams can lead to significant financial loss and data breaches if not recognized and addressed promptly.

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Mystery Package Scam

Imagine receiving an unexpected package at your doorstep. The curiosity to know the sender leads you to scan a QR code included in the package. This seemingly harmless action can compromise your device. Always verify the source before interacting with unknown deliveries.

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How the Scam Works:

  1. Unsolicited Package Delivery: Victims receive a package they didn't order, often with a note or label that includes a QR code. The package might be designed to pique curiosity or appear as a gift.

  2. QR Code Scanning: The QR code is presented as a way to claim a prize, access more information, or verify the package's contents. Scanning the code directs the user to a malicious website.

  3. Device Infiltration: Once the QR code is scanned, the website may prompt the user to download an app or enter personal information. This can lead to malware installation or data theft.

Computer and IT

Protecting Yourself:

  • Be Skeptical: If you receive a package you didn't order, be cautious about any instructions or QR codes included.

  • Verify Sources: Before scanning a QR code, verify the source and legitimacy of the package. Contact the sender if possible.

  • Use Security Software: Ensure your devices have up-to-date security software to detect and block malicious activities.

  • Educate Employees and Family Members: In a business context, educate employees about the risks of scanning unknown QR codes and establish protocols for handling unsolicited packages.

    In regards to your own home- if you live with others or have elderly persons who should know this new trick scammers are pulling please share with them what to be aware about.

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Undeliverable/Failed Delivery Attempt

The scam involving fake text messages that mimic shipping companies is a common phishing tactic designed to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links. 

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How the Scam Works:

  1. Fake Delivery Notification: Scammers send a text message that appears to be from a legitimate shipping company, such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. The message claims there was a failed delivery attempt for a package.

  2. Urgency and Action: The message often creates a sense of urgency, urging the recipient to click on a link to reschedule the delivery or provide additional information to receive the package.

  3. Malicious Link: The link in the text message leads to a fake website that mimics the shipping company's official site. This site may ask for personal information, such as your name, address, or payment details, or it may attempt to download malware onto your device.

  4. Data Theft or Malware: If the recipient enters their information or downloads any files, scammers can steal personal data or infect the device with malware, leading to potential identity theft or financial loss.

Protecting Yourself:

  • Verify the Source: If you receive a suspicious text message, do not click on any links. Instead, contact the shipping company directly using official contact information to verify the message's authenticity.

  • Look for Red Flags: Check for signs of a scam, such as poor grammar, generic greetings, or unfamiliar URLs.

  • Use Security Software: Ensure your devices have updated security software to detect and block malicious activities.

  • Educate and Inform: Share information about this scam with friends, family, and colleagues to help them recognize and avoid falling victim to it.

The Brushing Scam

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, a new scam known as the "Brushing Scam" has emerged, targeting unsuspecting consumers worldwide. This deceptive practice involves receiving unsolicited packages, often containing low-value items, from online marketplaces. While it may seem harmless at first, the brushing scam is a fraudulent scheme that can have significant implications for both consumers and businesses.

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How the Brushing Scam Works

The brushing scam is orchestrated by unscrupulous sellers on e-commerce platforms who send out unsolicited packages to random addresses. The primary goal is to boost their product ratings and reviews artificially. By creating fake orders and shipping items to real addresses, these sellers can post positive reviews under verified purchase status, thereby enhancing their product's visibility and credibility on the platform.

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Why It Matters

While receiving unexpected packages might seem like a minor inconvenience, the brushing scam raises several concerns:

  1. Data Privacy: The scam indicates that your personal information, such as your name and address, may have been compromised. This breach of privacy can lead to further exploitation if not addressed promptly.

  2. Marketplace Integrity: The scam undermines the trustworthiness of online marketplaces. Inflated ratings and reviews can mislead genuine consumers, affecting their purchasing decisions and potentially leading to dissatisfaction with the product quality.

  3. Potential for Fraud: In some cases, scammers may use the brushing scam as a precursor to more serious fraudulent activities, exploiting the compromised data for identity theft or financial fraud.

Protecting Yourself

To safeguard against the brushing scam, consumers should regularly monitor their online accounts for suspicious activity and report any unsolicited packages to the respective e-commerce platform.

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