What Is a Package Delivery Scam?

When you order a high-value package from the platforms you trust, do not assume it to be safe until you finally receive the package. Why? Because there can be some middlemen who intercept your deliveries and try to trick you into sharing the OTPs. In India, there are reports of several such cases where fraudsters made foul play, collected OTPs, and successfully stole packages from unsuspecting customers.

To ensure you stay safe, Kotak811 is here with #ScamKaSiren to alert you! Through this blog of our fraud awareness campaign, we aim to help you detect any such package delivery scams and recognise the thieves disguised as delivery agents at your doorsteps.

What is an OTP Scam in Deliveries?

When you order something from e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, and others, they ask you to enter an OTP. These one-time passwords are to confirm your deliveries and add to the security. This was meant to be an important step to ensure that the package reaches the rightful owner. Scammers have come up with new ways to manipulate this system, too.

OTP delivery scams have the following process:

1. Fake Delivery Executive: A person arrives as a courier service agent at your doorstep with a package.
2. OTP Request: They will ask you for an OTP telling you that it is needed to confirm that delivery.
3. Package Theft: They either walk away with the package or reroute to another location after obtaining the OTP.
4. Financial Fraud: Bigger scams happen when the OTP is linked to your online account. Scammers use them to have access to your personal or bank details.

How Do Scammers Target Victims?

There are many different tactics that these clever delivery scammers apply to trick and deceive customers.

1. Tracking Frequent Shoppers

Scammers look for people who are regular online customers. They find these customers easy to target. Regular shoppers expect packages and will not suspect an OTP request.

2. Fake Cash on Delivery (COD) Demands

Scammers, at times, may tell the people that their package requires a COD payment and ask for money. The customers refuse; they pretend that they are about to cancel the order. This way, they trick them into providing an OTP.

You may also come across

A fraudulent text message that claims:

"Your package is currently processing at our facility. For the most up-to-date information on import charges, please visit our website:..”

This message is followed by a URL that is not the official delivery partner’s link but a malicious one intended to hack your device or extract information.

3. Targeting Neighbours

Scammers can sometimes approach your neighbours and ask them to call you and request the OTP. You will be tricked into thinking that it is your neighbour asking for an OTP.

4. Urgency and Fear Tactics

Some scammers instill a sense of urgency by threatening to return your package if you do not give them the OTP right away. People may behave spontaneously as a result of this tension.

How to Protect Yourself from OTP Scams

You have to stay alert and follow a few safety measures to prevent yourself from falling victim to such OTP scams.

1. Never Share Your OTP

Never share OTP with anyone. Never do it, even if the person claims to be a delivery agent or courier service representative.

2. Verify the Delivery Person

Always check the identity of the delivery person, including their company uniforms and identification badges. If you feel that something is off, contact the courier service directly.

3. Open Packages Before Making Any Payment

Tell the delivery agents to open the COD order package before making a payment. There are reports where scammers handed over empty boxes or fake items and took away the money.

4. Be Wary of Suspicious Messages and Calls

No clicking on any links sent via SMS or email that claim to be from some courier services. Using the official website or app is recommended for tracking purposes.

5. Use Online Payments on Verified Platforms

Avoid scanning QR codes for payments when receiving a delivery. Using the official payment gateways that the e-commerce platform provides can save you from financial fraud.

6. Educate Family Members

Tell every member of your family about these scams. Older adults and children should know that they do not have to share OTPs.

Conclusion

So, now you are aware that an OTP is meant to be private. Therefore, you must not share it with any random person at your doorstep claiming to be a delivery agent. Take your time to do all the verification to save yourself from becoming prey to fraudsters. The only way to avoid a scam is to pause and think!

If something feels suspicious, let the Scam Alarm ring in your mind. Stay alert and protect your money!

If  you have been scammed online, immediately contact your bank, report the scam to the authorities like the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/)and document everything related to the scam. 

FAQs

1. What should I do if I fall for an OTP scam?

If you think that you have just shared an OTP with a scammer, immediately call or text the e-commerce platform and the courier company as well. If you find a financial fraudster, report it to your bank and law enforcement.

2. What should I do if a delivery person asks for an OTP?

Never provide the OTP if someone asks you before handing the package. First, verify the delivery. You can do it by cross-checking it with the sender details given in your online shopping account. Also, do not share the OTP if you have not ordered anything. Report the incident to the courier service.