Mail Fraud: What to Watch For

We receive mail every day whether it’s a package on our doorstep, a delivery update in our inbox, or a text message from a shipping company. With online shopping from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and countless others becoming part of our daily lives, it’s easier than ever for cybercriminals to blend their scams into the notifications we expect to receive.

Scammers know that many of us are waiting for a package. That’s why they create convincing messages claiming your delivery is delayed, a signature is required, your address needs to be updated, or a small fee must be paid before your package can be released. Their goal is simple: convince you to click a link, open an attachment, or call a fake support number before you have time to think.

1. Signature Required

A notice may claim your package requires a signature and ask you to click a link to reschedule delivery or waive the signature requirement. Always verify the request through the carrier’s official website.

2. Package Held Notice

Scammers send fake delivery notices claiming your package is on hold or couldn’t be delivered. Clicking the provided link can lead to a fake website designed to steal your passwords, payment information, or install malware.

3. Delivery Fee Due

A message may claim you owe a small delivery, tariff, customs, or handling fee before your package can be released. Legitimate carriers don’t ask for unexpected payments through random links or text messages.

4. Update Your Address

Some scams intentionally display an incorrect shipping address to make you think there’s a delivery problem. They then encourage you to “correct” your address through a malicious website that collects your personal information.

5. Order Confirmation

Unexpected order confirmations often claim you’ve purchased an expensive item and urge you to call a support number or click a link to cancel the order. If you didn’t make the purchase, don’t panic—verify it by signing in to your account directly through the retailer’s official website.

6. Purchase Alert

Scammers may even call pretending to be retailers like Amazon, claiming you’ve made a large purchase and asking you to confirm your identity or payment information. If you receive an unexpected call, hang up and contact the retailer using the phone number or website you know is legitimate.

Stay One Step Ahead

A common theme in all of these scams is urgency. Criminals want you to react before you have a chance to think. Take a moment to verify unexpected delivery notices, payment requests, or purchase alerts before clicking any links or providing personal information.