FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist
As the holiday season brings a flurry of packages, it also ushers in a sinister wave of delivery scams. These deceptions are not just about intercepting your festive packages; they’re sophisticated ploys to steal your personal and financial information. In this season of giving, cybercriminals are on a mission to take.
You may already know about delivery scams — the cleverly disguised notifications from allegedly well-known courier services — but do you know how to identify them before it’s too late? These scams don’t just delay your festivities; they aim to hijack your personal and financial information, leaving you with nothing but coal in your stocking.
Learn more: How BCT can protect your email inbox from scammers
How to Identify Delivery Scams
As the holiday season ramps up, so do the activities of cybercriminals. According to a report by the Federal Trade Commission, in 2022 package delivery scams ranked among the top text scams, and are only expected to increase over the next few years. These scams typically involve fake delivery notifications via email or text, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links.
“The bogus emails appear to be from legitimate companies like FedEx, UPS or USPS and usually claim the driver had a problem delivering your package… The goal is to get you to click on a link or attachment that will put malware or a virus onto your computer.” — Danielle Kane, Marketplace Manager, Portland BBB
Examples of Fake Messages
📷 Source: Bleeping Computer
How Delivery Scams Work
Beyond the basic phishing emails and texts, delivery scams have evolved into more intricate schemes. Cybercriminals often create counterfeit tracking websites that mirror those of legitimate courier services, luring victims into entering sensitive information under the guise of “tracking their package.” In some cases, scammers even make phone calls posing as customer service representatives to extract personal details directly.
With the advent of AI-powered tools, these scams are only getting smarter and more believable; tracking your purchase history, location data, and more.
Fake Delivery Notifications. Scammers send emails or texts posing as legitimate courier services, claiming there’s a package for you.
Phishing Links. These messages often contain links that, when clicked, install malware or lead to phishing websites.
Data Theft. The ultimate goal is to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or even identity theft.
Learn more: How BCT help protect you with our secure VoIP Phone Service
How BCT Consulting Can Help Keep You Secure
At BCT Consulting, we understand the evolving nature of these threats. Our cybersecurity measures, including Hosted Exchange, offer robust protection against email-based threats, filtering out malicious content before it reaches your inbox. Additionally, our VoIP phone services are designed to shield you from unsolicited and potentially harmful calls, including those from scammers. While our services provide a strong defense, awareness and vigilance are key.
As delivery scams continue to rise, staying informed and protected is more important than ever. With our cybersecurity solutions, you can enjoy the post-holiday season without the fear of unwelcome digital intruders. Remember, the best gift you can give yourself this season is the peace of mind that comes with robust cybersecurity. To learn more contact one of our highly skilled technicians today.
BCT Consulting now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.
Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks
