SCAM – Behind this gesture linked to parcel delivery lies a well-established scam, which now targets all smartphone owners.
Parcel delivery is part of the habits of all consumers. You order in just a few clicks, receive it at home or at a relay point, save time and avoid traveling. But scammers have understood this well and are taking advantage of this increasingly widespread habit to act in a sneaky way. This new scam targets people with a smartphone who are having a package delivered, and this concerns the majority of us.
At the time of delivery, certain consumer reflexes make it possible to avoid fraud linked to packages. When receiving the package, for example, a banal gesture should be avoided at all costs if you do not want to fall into the trap. However, it is a reflex that everyone could have. Because the scammers’ method is well practiced: they leave a package, in the mailbox or in front of the door, with a label that seems official but which should immediately arouse suspicion.
These are in fact fake packages, on which a label with a clearly visible QR code is stuck. “These packages are usually shipped without any sender information. This is a deliberate tactic by cybercriminals because recipients are more likely to scan the QR code quickly to discover the sender or resend the package“, specifies the British Express website. The gesture seems logical, almost reassuring. In reality, this QR code links to a fraudulent site. Once on it, the victim is encouraged to enter personal data, sometimes bank details, under the pretext of verifying the identity of the package or paying non-existent fees. Faced with this type of situation, the consumer has several simple reflexes to protect their data and avoid any financial loss
Indeed, to avoid falling into the trap, a simple rule is essential. The first reflex is to never scan a QR code present on an unexpected package. Official carriers never request this type of action to identify a delivery. If in doubt, it is better to go directly through the application or website of the usual delivery service, or contact the seller. An unexpected package should therefore be considered with caution.
During a delivery, the absence of a clear sender, an approximate label or a request for immediate action should always alert the consumer. Also, before scanning a QR Code, check its origin, i.e. the name of the company or sender who is sending you the package. If you have the slightest doubt, do not scan the QR Code. Furthermore, most smartphones allow you to preview the website link before opening it. A good way to ensure in advance that it is not a scam and to backtrack if in doubt. Finally, it is advisable to activate anti-phishing filters and never communicate sensitive information after a simple scan. In a context where deliveries are part of everyday life, adopting these simple reflexes allows consumers to continue ordering online without exposing their personal data.
