The rise of online shopping has made package delivery a common occurrence for many people. However, scammers have taken advantage of this convenience by creating fraudulent schemes, such as the IPS delivery scam.
In this insight, we will explore the ins and outs of the IPS delivery scam, how it works, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from falling victim to this online fraud.
The IPS delivery scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets individuals expecting package deliveries. Scammers impersonate reputable delivery services, such as IPS, and send text messages claiming that there is an issue with the delivery. The messages often state that there are unpaid customs fees or other reasons why the package cannot be delivered. The goal is to trick recipients into clicking on a link provided in the message, which leads to a phishing website.
The scam begins with a text message that appears to be from IPS, notifying the recipient of an issue with their package delivery. The message typically contains a link that the recipient is urged to click on to resolve the problem. However, this link redirects the recipient to a phishing website designed to mimic the official IPS website. Once on the phishing site, scammers attempt to trick victims into entering personal information, such as credit card details or login credentials. This information is then used for fraudulent purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud.
Scam text messages often exhibit certain characteristics that can help you identify them and avoid falling victim to the IPS delivery scam. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:
Scammers usually use generic greetings like "customer" or "account holder" instead of addressing you by name.
Check the sender's phone number or email address. Legitimate delivery services will use official contact information, while scammers often use random or unfamiliar addresses.
Scam messages often create a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to act quickly without taking the time to think.
Many scam messages contain grammatical errors and misspellings, which can indicate that they are not from a reputable source.
Phishing websites aim to deceive users into entering their personal information by imitating legitimate websites. Here are some signs that can help you identify a phishing website:
Phishing websites often use URLs that closely resemble the official website but contain slight variations or additional characters.
Legitimate websites usually have security indicators, such as HTTPS and a padlock icon in the address bar. Phishing websites may lack these indicators.
Legitimate websites rarely ask for sensitive information, such as credit card details, through email or text messages. If a website prompts you to provide such information, it may be a phishing attempt.
If you receive a text message regarding a package delivery that you were not expecting, exercise caution and scrutinise the message for red flags.
If you are unsure about the authenticity of a delivery notification, contact the official customer support channels of the delivery service directly to confirm the status of your package.
Do not click on any links in text messages or emails that seem suspicious or unfamiliar, especially if they request personal information or payment.
Regularly update your devices and software with the latest security patches to minimise vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit.
Create strong passwords for your online accounts and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate passwords.
Activate 2FA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. This helps protect your accounts even if your password is compromised.
Be mindful of the information you share on social media platforms and other online channels. Limit the amount of personal information you make publicly available.
Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices from malicious software and phishing attempts.
Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit card transactions to detect any unauthorised activity. Report any suspicious charges immediately to your financial institution.
Steps to Report the Scam to Relevant Authorities
If you have received an IPS delivery scam text, it is important to report it to the relevant authorities. Here are the steps you can take:
Take a screenshot or note down the details of the scam text message, including the sender's phone number or email address.
Report the scam to your local police or cybercrime unit, providing them with all the relevant information.
Inform the official delivery service, such as IPS, about the scam text message. They may have dedicated channels for reporting fraudulent activity.
Notify your mobile network provider about the scam text message so they can take appropriate action and prevent further scams.
Sharing your experience with the IPS delivery scam can help raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to the same scam. Consider reporting the scam on social media, online forums, or community platforms where others can benefit from your insights and learn how to protect themselves.
In conclusion, the IPS delivery scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets individuals expecting package deliveries. By familiarising yourself with the common characteristics of scam text messages and phishing websites, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to this online fraud. Following best practices for online security, reporting scams to relevant authorities, and sharing your experiences can also contribute to raising awareness and preventing others from becoming victims. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and prioritise your online safety to avoid falling victim to scams like the IPS delivery scam and other online frauds.
Other scams to be aware of:
Stuart is an expert in Property, Money, Banking & Finance, having worked in retail and investment banking for 10+ years before founding Sunny Avenue. Stuart has spent his career studying finance. He holds qualifications in financial studies, mortgage advice & practice, banking operations, dealing & financial markets, derivatives, securities & investments.
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