Unexpected Package Could Be the Start of a Scam

Imagine this: You open your front door in the morning and find a package you didn’t order. Maybe it was delivered to the wrong address? The label shows a phone number, so you call and say, “I think this package was delivered by mistake.” A friendly voice answers, “We’ll arrange to pick it up. Can you confirm your name and address?”

In just a few seconds, you’ve given away personal information to a scammer. This is how parcel scams often begin.

How Parcel Scams Work

These scams exploit something familiar: home deliveries. With online shopping so common, packages at the doorstep feel routine. Scammers count on this trust. When you see an unexpected parcel, your first thought might be, Is this mine? Or someone else’s order? That curiosity can lead you to call the number on the label.

On the call, the scammer sounds polite and professional. They offer to pick up the package and simply “need your details to confirm.” Once you share your address and name, you’ve given them key personal data—information that can be used for identity theft or other crimes.

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What to Do If You Find an Unknown Package

If you discover a parcel you didn’t order, take these steps:

• Do not call the number on the label. It might belong to a scammer. Instead, contact the shipping company using the official website or customer service number (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS).
• Never share personal information. If someone asks for your name, address, or payment details, hang up immediately.
• Don’t open the box. It could contain illegal items or tracking devices. Report suspicious deliveries to the shipping company or local authorities.

A Small Mistake Can Lead to Big Trouble

Parcel scams thrive on a single moment of carelessness. A box on your doorstep might look harmless, but it can open the door to identity theft and financial fraud. Protecting your personal information means protecting your safety.

When in doubt, pause before acting. That extra moment of caution can save you from becoming a victim.

If you suspect a scam:

• In the U.S., report it at FTC Fraud Reporting.
• In the U.K., go to Action Fraud.