Guarding Your Gateway: Exposing Delivery Driver Scams 

In the ever-expanding world of online transactions and doorstep deliveries, the convenience of having goods delivered to your home has given rise to a disturbing trend. There has been an alarming increase in delivery driver scams. These scams involve crafty frauds posing as legitimate drivers, exploiting text messages to deceive unsuspecting victims into divulging personal information. In more dire circumstances, a victim may even reveal credit card numbers.

Smishing, a deceptive technique where scammers use text messages to steal sensitive information, is the method of choice for most delivery driver scams. This article will dissect the underhanded tactics of delivery driver scammers and smishing threats. We will provide a detailed example of this prevalent scam, offer tips for recognizing the signs, and provide you with strategies to guard against falling victim to these dual menaces.

Understanding the Dual Threat: Delivery Driver Scams and Smishing

Delivery driver scams typically commence with a text message sent to the victim’s phone, conveying urgency and claiming difficulty in locating the recipient’s home for a scheduled delivery. As mentioned, smishing involves using text messages to trick individuals into providing confidential information, often under the guise of urgent alerts, promotions, or, in this context, delivery-related issues. 

Consider the following combination of the two scams:

You receive a text from an unknown number, seemingly from a reputable delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS, stating, “Hello! Your package is coming, but our driver has trouble finding your address. Please call us at [provided number] to help guide them to your home.” Intrigued or concerned about the timely arrival of your package, you decide to make the call. The person on the other end of the line identifies as a delivery service representative and asks for your address to ensure a successful delivery. As the conversation progresses, they might claim an issue with your credit card information, insisting on immediate resolution to proceed with the delivery.

Simultaneously, you receive another text message purportedly from the same delivery service, stating, “Due to a technical glitch, we require additional verification. Please reply with your full name, address, and credit card details to resolve the issue promptly.” In a state of concern and urgency, you may unwittingly provide your address and credit card information, falling victim to both the delivery driver scam and the smishing threat, opening the door for potential identity theft and financial fraud. 

Recognizing Delivery Driver Scam Tactics 

1. Unsolicited Texts: Both delivery driver scams and smishing attempts often begin with unsolicited text messages. Legitimate communication from delivery services and businesses typically comes through official channels.
2. Non-Specific Language: Scammers across both scams may use generic language to appeal to a broad audience. Legitimate messages are usually specific to your order or personal information needs.
3. Beware of Surprise Packages: Exercise caution when receiving messages about unexpected gifts or deliveries, especially if you are not anticipating a package. This is a common tactic used in both scams.

 Guarding Against Delivery Driver Scams and Smishing 

1. Check the Tracking Information: Cross-verify information received in text messages with official tracking details on the delivery service’s website. Aligning information ensures authenticity.
2. Verify Caller ID: Before calling any provided number, cross-check the caller ID with official contact details from the delivery service. Scammers may use generic or unusual phone numbers. Similarly, be cautious of replying to unknown numbers in smishing attempts.
3. Personal Information Caution: Legitimate delivery services and businesses do not ask you to provide sensitive information or credit card numbers through text messages. Be cautious about sharing personal information.
4. Verify Via Official Contact Information: When in doubt, contact the delivery service or business using their website’s official contact information or previous correspondence. Avoid using contact details provided in unsolicited messages.
5. Stay Well-Informed and Warn Others: Regularly update yourself on the latest scams and smishing trends by reading our Choice Words Blog. and our Choice One Scam Alerts Page. Inform friends and family about potential risks. Awareness is a powerful tool in stopping scammers.

Protect Yourself from Dual Threats

The latest data shows that delivery driver scams and smishing threats have seen a significant uptick in recent months. The evolution and convergence of these scams indicate the need for heightened awareness and preemptive measures.

As the online transaction landscape expands, so does the risk of falling victim to dual threats like delivery driver scams and smishing attempts. By understanding the tactics employed by scammers, recognizing the signs of potential scams, and adopting preventive measures, you can safeguard your personal information and protect yourself from the deceptive web woven by these fraudulent driver scams. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and guard your gateway against the rising tide of dual threat delivery driver scams.

Stay current on pending scam threats by reading our blog articles:

“Outsmarting Social Media Scams During the Holidays.” 

“The Naughty List: Most Common Holiday Scams Unwrapped.”