In recent times, Bengaluru has witnessed a surge in fraudulent delivery scams targeting unsuspecting residents. These scams often involve imposters posing as delivery agents from reputable e-commerce platforms, aiming to deceive individuals into accepting unsolicited packages or revealing personal information.
Notable Incidents Highlighting the Threat
One resident shared an experience where a caller, claiming to be a Swiggy delivery agent, insisted on delivering a parcel allegedly ordered by her boyfriend. Despite neither she nor her boyfriend placing any order, the caller persisted. Upon instructing the caller to leave the package at her doorstep, she found nothing upon returning home, raising suspicions about the caller’s intentions.
In another case, a resident received an automated call appearing to be from Flipkart. The voice prompt inquired about a flip-flop order and requested confirmation by pressing specific numbers. Choosing not to respond, the individual later discovered an unauthorized cash-on-delivery order on their Flipkart account, accompanied by a cryptic message stating, “Flipkart customer shared this order with you.” Upon contacting Flipkart’s customer service, the response was dismissive, prompting the individual to escalate the matter through email and consider filing a cybercrime complaint.
Community Reactions and Speculations
These incidents have sparked discussions among Bengaluru residents, with many sharing similar experiences and theories. Some speculate that these unsolicited deliveries could be part of elaborate fraud schemes, where scammers send unexpected packages and later claim involvement in illegal activities. One user cautioned, “Could be a scam. Came across some scams earlier where they send an order to your address and then you might get a call from the ‘police’ saying that your order was caught with illegal things in it yada yada. They keep changing their scam models. Be safe and do not receive any unsolicited orders—who knows what they are up to.”
Others have reported receiving fake emails from international sources, falsely claiming they had placed high-value orders. One individual shared, “I too get anonymous emails from abroad stating that I had ordered a laptop or something from a popular website in dollars with the bill name as ‘customer.’ I ignored and deleted them.”
Expert Insights on Delivery Scams
According to a report by the Times of India, package delivery scams are common during peak shopping seasons. Fraudsters often pose as delivery company agents and make fake delivery attempts, sometimes asking for personal information or payments upon delivery.
Mint also highlights that scammers tend to monitor customers who frequently receive delivery packages. They disguise themselves as delivery agents and, upon reaching the customer’s doorstep, request One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or payment for cash-on-delivery orders. If the customer refuses, the scammer pretends to cancel the delivery, further complicating the situation.
Protective Measures Against Delivery Scams
To safeguard against such fraudulent activities, consider the following steps:
- Verify Caller Identity: Always confirm the identity of the caller by cross-referencing with official communication channels of the delivery service.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Refrain from disclosing personal details, OTPs, or making payments unless you are certain of the legitimacy of the delivery.
- Inspect Packages Before Acceptance: For high-value deliveries, opt for open-box inspections to ensure the contents are as expected before making any payments.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter any dubious delivery attempts or communications, report them to the respective e-commerce platform and consider filing a complaint with cybercrime authorities.
- Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on common scam tactics and share information within your community to raise awareness.
By remaining vigilant and adopting these precautionary measures, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to evolving delivery scams in Bengaluru.
