Six tips to protect holiday packages

With the holiday season just around the corner, many Michiganders are gearing up for a busy season of online shopping—but with the convenience of digital purchases comes the risk of package theft. According to the Better Business Bureau, and a recent study by Security.org, thieves stole more than $18 billion worth of merchandise last year alone. Adding to the concern, scammers are also targeting consumers with fraudulent shipping notifications, hoping to trick people into providing personal information or payment details.

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips to help shoppers safeguard their holiday deliveries:

1. Keep track of your deliveries. Scammers often send fake shipping notifications, hoping you will mistake them for legitimate messages about orders you’ve recently placed. By staying on top of what you’re expecting, from whom, and when, you’ll be in a better position to spot a scam.
2. Pay attention to the message sender. Delivery companies will never contact you with unsolicited calls or texts. Depending on how you’ve set up your notifications, messages will typically be sent through a secure online portal. Be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those that arrive via text if you haven’t signed up for such alerts. Always check the phone number or email address associated with the message and look for suspicious characters or unusual variations in the sender’s details.
3. Never give sensitive personal information to strangers. Avoid responding to unsolicited texts or emails asking for payment details or other private information. If you receive an alert that seems suspicious, visit the company’s website directly and log in to your account, or contact the company using a verified phone number to resolve any issues.
4. Don’t leave unattended packages. If possible, schedule deliveries for times when you know you will be home or arrange for a trusted neighbor to hold onto your package. Some retailers, including Amazon, a BBB Accredited Business, offer “garage delivery” options to prevent packages from being left out in the open.
5. Ship to a store, storefront, or post office box. For added security, consider shipping items to a local store, storefront, or post office box. These locations require proof of purchase or identification before releasing packages, ensuring that your package is safely held until you can pick it up.
6. Require a signature upon delivery. Many delivery services allow customers to request a signature before packages are dropped off. This ensures that you take possession of the item directly, minimizing the risk of theft.

By following these simple tips, Michigan residents can better protect their packages this holiday season and avoid the pitfalls of online shopping scams and theft. If you think you clicked on a fraudulent shipping text link, check out the BBB’s scam survival kit. They can walk you through steps you can take to recover any money or information you may have lost. Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.