Skip to main content

"YOUR FEDEX DELIVERY FAILED" SCAM

FAKE EMAILS TRYING TO STEAL FROM YOU

"Your delivery has failed....."

"Do you still want your package...?"

One of the latest email scams going around today.  You get an email that starts, "Your FedEx delivery has failed....:  Or, "Your package cannot be delivered...."  I received one today that read:  "Your package has made it to the post office but an incomplete address won't allow delivery....."

Millions of these fake emails are being sent out to lure victims into calling or clicking an internet link about their failed "delivery."  These fake emails are not from FedEx, UPS or the USPS-- or other legitimate companies.  Most of them originate overseas from scammers who just need to make contact with you.  Then, they go after your money.

The scam usually plays out like this, although there are many variations:

1.  You contact the scammer and are given an email address to contact about your fake "package."  You go to the email address or call the fake number.

2.  You are redirected to a "survey" to complete.  At the end of the survey you are told that you qualify for a free gift and are asked to enter your credit card number.  (Ever wonder why they need your credit card number to send you a "free" gift?).  

3.  Sometimes you are asked to pay a fee if you want to continue with your [fake] delivery. You provide your debit or credit card number and your account is then cleaned out by the scammer. Of course, there is no delivery!

What Should You Do If You Get a Notice About a Failed Delivery?

Ignore it.  Don't click on any links, go to any email sites or call any telephone numbers.  Do not provide any personal information such as date of birth, address, zip code or Social Security number.  Don't pay any fees or give out any credit or debit card numbers--ever. These scammers want only one thing:  to separate you from your money.

 Even clicking on these fake email addresses or links can put you at risk.  You may get a virus installed on your computer that tracks you or collects personal information such as passwords, account numbers, etc.  Don't respond to these phony communications in any way.

If you have actually ordered something and are waiting on a delivery, check with the company that shipped your order, using a number you know is real. Never respond to these phony emails.   FedEx and other legitimate companies never send you an email asking for personal information or a payment to complete the delivery.  These are always, always fake scams designed to steal from you.  Be smart. Protect yourself.

Also, beware of offers of free merchandise or trial purchases which just need a payment to pay for shipping.  Nobody gives away things.   When contacted by a company you don't know about something you didn't order--just think:  Should I be responding to this email or phone call?

From time to time, we like to pass on warnings, especially to seniors, who are targeted by these scams.  I think the scams are more numerous during the holiday season when supposedly more items are being ordered and delivered.  But they can and do occur all year. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WHAT YOU WILL BE ASKED AT A DISABILITY HEARING

Most Social Security disability claims will be denied twice:  First at the end of the Application process, and again after the "Reconsideration" process.  The third stop will be a hearing before a federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). It is here at the hearing level that most SSDI claims are paid.  So, what do you need to know about your Social Security disability hearing?     First, the judge will follow the rules established by the Social Security Administration.  His or her job is to determine whether you meet the particular laws and rules to receive disability payments.  So, it is a legal proceeding where you must prove certain things in order to get paid. Among the things you must prove:  Your insured status with Social Security:  You have worked recently enough and paid into the Social Security trust fund to gain the required "work credits" to support your claim.  You have a severe medical or mental impairment supported by adequa...
Post a Comment
Read more

CAN YOU WIN YOUR DISABILITY APPEAL WITHOUT A LAWYER?

The Social Security Administration does not require you to have a lawyer to file an appeal or to appear at a hearing.  However, most people heading for a disability hearing will hire a lawyer or advocate to help them.   Studies have shown that you are about twice as likely to win with a lawyer.  A recent study found that claimants with no lawyer win about 30 percent of the time while claimants with a lawyer or advocate win 60 percent of the time.   " He just cooked his own goose." These statistics cover only one aspect of a disability appear--your odds of winning. The other important aspects are time and convenience. If you prepare and adjudicate your own disability appeal, expect to spend 12 to 24 months working on the case.  You will be collecting, reading and submitting hundreds or thousands of pages of medical records.  These records are complex and often difficult to understand.  And you must know how each medical record helps (or hurts) your dis...
Post a Comment
Read more

MISTAKES THAT RUIN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION

MISTAKES THAT RUIN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION  The paperwork for Social Security disability is daunting:  page after page of never-ending questions.  But, since most applications will be denied, it behooves you to complete the application correctly.  Here are some mistakes on your Social Security disability application that may ruin your claim.   Failing to Fill Out the Forms —The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a lot of forms to fill out. It’s up to you to make sure that you fill out every part of those forms correctly.  Don’t forget: if a question doesn’t apply to you, put “not applicable” or “N/A” in the provided space.   Do not leave anything blank. Return all forms within 10 days. If you don't your application may be discarded or withdrawn. Writing Illegibly —If your case reviewer can’t read your answers, then he/she can’t really say that you answered that question. Be sure the  answers to questions are nea...
Post a Comment
Read more