Package delivery scam that uses your full name and postal code hits Mississauga and Brampton
Published February 18, 2023 at 3:12 pm
Are you a Mississauga or Brampton resident and received a text from a delivery service asking to pay a fee, for a package you may or may not have ordered?
It’s no surprise that text and email frauds are on the rise, including the latest romance heist. But just when you think you have it all figured out, a new scam hits your phone.
Fraudsters are getting clever by the day with their schemes and this new one will leave you perplexed.
The text includes an image of the retailer which was United Parcel Service to make it seem legitimate. The message lets the recipient know that an outstanding balance is owed for a previous package that was delivered and if not paid soon, the interest will grow.
A link that will take you to the site to make the payment, is included at the end of the text.
Videos
The scariest part of the text message is, the scammer addresses you by your correct name (no spelling errors) and postal code. This private information could be a leading factor for people to believe that the company is really reaching out.
UPS is one of the most common companies to be used by scammers and on their official website it mentions how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these crimes:
- When a UPS representative calls they will give you a tracking number which you will need to verify on their website.
- If unsure, verify the representatives first and last name and a call-back telephone number. Hang up and call the number back.
- If you are not sure about a text sent to you by UPS, do not click or choose links to open attachments, as they may contain a virus.
- Look out for grammar errors and too many exclamation points.
- Check for misspelled words and links to websites other than www.ups.com/ca
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising