Ordering items online has become incredibly easy. You can click a few buttons and get your purchases delivered right to our door. But along with this convenience, there are risks, such as scams and fraud. One scam that’s become quite common is the MyUPS missed package scam.
This article discusses what is MyUPS missed package scam, how it works, how to identify it and a few tips to protect yourself from such scams.
What is MyUPS missed package scam?
This scam involves sending fake notifications claiming a UPS delivery was attempted but missed. These messages usually arrive via email, text, or even automated phone calls. They often contain:
- A sense of urgency, urging you to reschedule delivery immediately.
- Links to a fake UPS website that looks legitimate.
- Requests for personal information like your name, address, and credit card details.
Also read: USPS package tracking scam 9300120111410471677883 explained
How it works?
Here’s a breakdown of how the MyUPS missed package scam operates:
- Fake UPS notification: Scammers send out mass text messages or emails, pretending to be UPS, claiming that a package couldn’t be delivered. The messages include urgent language and instructions to visit a website, like “http://www.myups-delivery.com,” to reschedule the delivery.
- Phishing site: Clicking on the link takes victims to a fake UPS website that looks authentic but has a different URL. While the site may mimic UPS’s branding, it often lacks the same level of polish and may have spelling errors.
- Personal information request: On the fake website, victims are asked to enter personal details, such as their name, address, phone number, and email address, to reschedule the supposed delivery. Scammers store this information for later use.
- Payment request: After providing personal information, victims are directed to a checkout page where they’re told to pay a small redelivery fee, usually between $2 to $5. They’re asked to enter their credit/debit card details to complete the payment.
- Money and Identity Theft: Once victims provide payment information, scammers exploit it for fraudulent purchases or sell it on the dark web. Personal details obtained are either sold to third parties or used for further identity theft. Meanwhile, any redelivery fee paid goes straight into the scammers’ pockets, allowing them to profit directly and indirectly from the scam.
How to identify the UPS package scams?
- Unexpected delivery: Scammers often strike when you’re expecting a package. If you didn’t order anything, chances are it’s a scam.
- Typos and Grammar mistakes: Watch out for poorly written messages with misspelt words or awkward phrases. Legitimate companies usually don’t make these mistakes.
- Unsolicited links: If you haven’t signed up for text updates from UPS, don’t click on any links in unexpected messages. UPS only sends texts if you’ve requested updates.
- Urgent demands: Scammers use urgency to pressure you into action. They might claim you’ll miss a delivery or owe money if you don’t respond immediately.
- Payment requests: UPS won’t ask for payment outside their official website. Be wary of any requests for money, especially if they ask for gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Check tracking numbers: Always verify them on UPS.com/track to ensure they’re real.
- Suspicious links: Double-check any links in messages to ensure they’re from UPS.com. Scammers may use similar-looking URLs to trick you.
- Strange phone numbers: In the US, legitimate UPS texts come from MYUPS (69877). If you’re in another country, confirm your local UPS SMS number.
Tips to stay safe
Here are a few tips to stay safe and avoid such scams:
- Track packages on UPS.com: Whenever you send a package with UPS or order something online, you’ll get a tracking number. Use this number to check the status of your delivery on UPS.com and avoid falling for scam texts or calls.
- Don’t enter personal information: UPS will never ask for sensitive information like credit card details through unsolicited messages.
- Don’t click on links: Never click on links in suspicious messages, even if they appear to be from UPS.
- Contact UPS directly: Before you click any links or reply to texts, contact UPS directly. You can call UPS 24/7 customer support at 1-800-742-5877. Visit the UPS online contact centre.
- Report scams: If you encounter a UPS scam, report it to UPS by sending a screenshot of the message to fraud@ups.com. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) to help prevent others from falling victim.
UPS will never ask for personal information or payment through unsolicited messages. Be cautious, verify the source, and protect your data by avoiding these phishing scams.
Also read: Does USPS send text messages? USPS Text scam explained
