How to Avoid Shipping Scams

As more and more people shop online, shipping scams have increased rapidly. Texts, calls, and emails about packages can be convincing, so it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. We’ve compiled a list of ways you can avoid shipping scams to keep your packages and your money safe. If you’ve lost money in a scam, contact your bank right away to (hopefully) get your money back.

1

Be wary if messages contain grammar or spelling errors.

This goes for emails, texts, and website URLs. If the message has a ton of errors in it, it’s most likely a scam. Communications from legitimate shipping sites undergo an editing process, and should be more or less perfect.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Scammers will also sometimes use fake URLs that are close to the real thing. For example, if you get an email from “FedEx” asking you to click a link that says “FedX.com,” it’s probably a scam.
- The same goes for email addresses. Often, the sender will look official, but if you hover your mouse over the address, take note if it’s actually very long or pops up as a spam link.
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2

Don’t click links that are emailed or texted to you.

A shipping company will never send you unsolicited links to click. If you think there is a problem with your package, go to the delivery company’s website directly and sign in through their portal. From there, you can check on the status of your package and see when it’s going to be delivered.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceFederal Communications CommissionIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communicationsGo to source}
- The best thing to do with messages that include shady links is to delete them. Clicking on the link could give a scammer access to your phone or computer.

3

Don’t respond to requests for more money via text.

These messages often have a sense of urgency, which can be alarming. However, if you’ve paid for your package and the shipping fees associated with it, you won’t be asked to send the company more money. If you’re concerned about your package, head to the shipping company’s website directly to check its status.^{[3]XResearch source}
- The one exception to this is if you’re receiving a package from another country, in which case you may have to pay customs fees. The request for customs fees will always come from your country’s mail service, and you’ll have the option to accept them and pay online or deny them and have the package sent back.^{[4]XResearch source}
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4

Get tracking numbers for your shipments.

You can check your shipping progress to see where your package is. If you get a suspicious email or text saying that your package has been “lost,” check your tracking number first. You’ll be able to tell if your package is truly lost or if it’s still on the way.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceBetter Business BureauNonprofit organization dedicated to promoting marketplace trustworthiness by educating consumers and reviewing businessesGo to source}
- Most shipping companies will give you a tracking number automatically, but some services require you to pay extra for it.

5

Request a signature at drop-off.

The delivery person will have to hand the package directly to you. This will help you avoid any scams requesting money for a lost or stolen package. If you know exactly where your package is, you have less of a chance of falling for a scam.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceBetter Business BureauNonprofit organization dedicated to promoting marketplace trustworthiness by educating consumers and reviewing businessesGo to source}
- Most shipping companies charge a moderate fee to request a signature.
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6

Pay via credit card or PayPal.

Never send money through a third-party website or app. If you head to a website and it asks for your credit card information, look up at the top of the screen near the URL. If there’s a little padlock icon, the website is protected and it’s probably safe to enter your information. If there’s no padlock or it says “Not Protected,” don't enter your information.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceFederal Communications CommissionIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communicationsGo to source}
- This protection is called a Security Socket Layer, or SSL.

7

Don’t give out your Social Security Number or bank account info.

This information can be used to steal your identity. If a site ever asks you for your bank account information or your social security number, back out immediately. Legitimate shipping companies will never ask you for that information.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceFederal Communications CommissionIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communicationsGo to source}
- When you purchase a shipping label online, you will have to enter in a credit card number. However, you won’t have to include your bank account number or routing number.
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8

Double check that missed delivery notices are legitimate.

Scammers will sometimes leave them on your door to get your info. If you got a “missed delivery” tag on your door, check the tracking number for your package to double check if it's legitimate. If the shipping company’s website also says “missed delivery," then you’re good to go.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceBetter Business BureauNonprofit organization dedicated to promoting marketplace trustworthiness by educating consumers and reviewing businessesGo to source}
- If your tracking number still says that the package is in transit, it’s probably a fake tag. Don’t go to any websites or enter in any information on the fake delivery tag.

9

Contact the shipping company directly with questions.

Check the shipping company’s website to find the number for customer service. They can help you figure out where your package is and what to do if you’re being scammed.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceFederal Communications CommissionIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communicationsGo to source}
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10

Don’t use shipping labels provided by customers.

If you’re selling an item on eBay or an online marketplace, never accept a shipping label that a customer sends you. They could be routing the package somewhere completely different, then claiming that their package was never delivered.^{[11]XResearch source}

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Tips

If you’ve lost money to a shipping scam, contact your bank right away. They may be able to help you get your money back.^{[12]XResearch source}
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