Stay Alert: How Scammers are Targeting Your Address
You might have noticed an increase in social media posts from people claiming that their Amazon parcel has been delivered to the wrong address. While these posts might seem like harmless mistakes, they’re often part of a sophisticated scam designed to exploit both the person whose account was hacked and the unsuspecting individual who receives the parcel.
How the Scam Works
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this particular scam typically unfolds:
- Account Compromise:
The scam begins with a cybercriminal hacking into someone’s Amazon account. This could happen through phishing attacks, weak passwords, or other means of gaining access to account credentials. - Placing an Order:
Once they have control of the account, the scammer places an order for a high-value item, such as a 60” TV or other expensive electronics. However, instead of sending it to the hacked account’s address, they choose an alternate delivery address—this is where the scam starts to get tricky. - Avoiding Detection:
If the item were delivered to the hacked account’s address, the legitimate account holder would likely notice the unauthorized purchase and initiate a return or report the fraud. By sending it to a different address, the scammer avoids immediate detection and increases their chances of successfully completing the scam. - Social Media Deception:
After the order is placed, the scammer posts on social media, claiming that their parcel was mistakenly delivered to the wrong address. The post often includes a plea for help, asking if anyone has received a parcel by mistake and offering a screenshot of the order as proof. - Collection Scam:
When an unsuspecting person sees the post and checks their own delivery, they might realise they’ve received a package that doesn’t belong to them. When the scammer shows up at their door claiming to be the rightful owner of the parcel, the person, believing it was an honest mistake, hands over the item. - The Aftermath:
The scammer walks away with the expensive item, and the hacked account holder is left dealing with the financial loss and the hassle of securing their account. Meanwhile, the person who handed over the parcel may never realise they were part of a scam.
What You Should Do
It’s important to be vigilant and aware of these types of scams. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
– Ignore Suspicious Posts:
If you see a post or message on social media claiming that an Amazon parcel was delivered to the wrong address, be cautious. It’s better to ignore such posts, especially if the person is asking you to hand over a parcel you received in error.
– Check Your Deliveries:
If you receive an unexpected parcel, double-check the order details and contact Amazon directly if something seems off. Never hand over a parcel to someone claiming it was delivered by mistake without verifying their story.
– Secure Your Accounts:
Ensure that your Amazon account and other online accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) where possible. This reduces the risk of your account being hacked in the first place.
Scammers are always finding new ways to exploit the trust and goodwill of others. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your community from becoming victims of these deceitful tactics. If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam like this, report it to Amazon and avoid engaging with the scammer.
Stay safe, and remember: if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!