Better Business Bureau warns of shipping scams targeting holiday shoppers

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about shipping scams as package deliveries increase during the holiday season.

Scammers are targeting people waiting for packages by sending fake delivery notifications through text messages and emails, according to Ericka Dilworth with the Cleveland office of the Better Business Bureau.

“So it wouldn’t be unusual for you to get some type of notification in your text or on your email saying ‘This is your local UPS, FedEx,’ or whoever it is,” Dilworth said.

“The scammers know you’re waiting for something and they’re expecting you to click on the link without thinking about it,” she said.

Dilworth said the shipping scams are another version of imposter scams, which are popular among criminals because they successfully trick victims into believing they are someone they are not.

Clicking on fraudulent links can put consumers in direct contact with criminals seeking money or personal information.

The links may also install malware on computers or help porch pirates confirm deliveries to steal packages.

If consumers need to track or change a shipment, Dilworth advises against clicking on links sent in messages.

Instead, she recommends contacting the shipping carrier or postal service directly.

“Get your information, your questions, whatever you need to do...addressed by them directly. Then you know for sure who you’re dealing with,” Dilworth said.