Tracking Code Scam
The Better Business Bureau warns of a scam where malicious actors aim to deceive online shoppers into paying for goods that do not actually exist. This is done by the scammers creating fake websites that are selling products with great deals, usually selling brand named goods at a significant discount.
If the user decides to take a chance and make the purchase, the site is said to instruct the user to pay through PayPal. After checkout the user will receive a tracking number from UPS, FedEx, or another shipping service. After awhile if the user checks the package is said to be delivered but to the wrong address.
If the user tries to contact the website they will learn that the site is either unresponsive or unhelpful. Some cases, the site does not even provide contact information and in others they just do not respond to any emails or calls.
Some of the victims of this scam reported filing a claim with PayPal for their money back but because the scammer technically shipped the package and the tracking number marked it as delivered, PayPal was rejecting their claims.
The articles linked below gives some tips on spotting Package Delivery Scams and other online shopping related scams:
Before paying, know your rights and responsibilities. In any type of scam, scammers might try to take advantage of what consumers do not know when it comes to processing payment. Do not make a purchase from any seller that seems suspicious and do not assume that you’ll be protected no matter what.
Before buying online, confirm the site has real contact information. Make sure the seller has a working phone number and address on the website, so you can contact them in case of a problem.
If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Be wary if the item is selling for significantly lower than what you have seen elsewhere.
Make sure you know who you are dealing with, they advise you check the spelling and the domain names. As well as to google the website to see if the website has had any complaints.
Scam websites usually have poor grammar and spelling, a lack of information, and capital letters in the middle of sentences.
Make sure the website is using https:// as a trusted website will have a secure domain so that your information is safe. Make sure to also check the address bar for a “not secure” message as that is another red flag.
Check for the website's privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested. If there isn’t a privacy policy that is a red flag.
Research the business first to make sure it is legitimate before giving them any of your personal and/or financial information.
For more information, please check out:
https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/21097-scam-alert-tracking-code-trick-costs-online-shoppers
https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14040-bbb-tip-smart-shopping-online
To read more articles published by DOIT visit:
https://itsecurity.umbc.edu/critical/?tag=notice.
https://itsecurity.umbc.edu/home/covid-19-news/?tag=covid19
