Every other day there’s a new scam going around, and UPS is no exception. In fact, there are a lot of scams that target UPS specifically.
From package redirecting scams to fake invoice schemes, read on for a complete list of UPS scams to watch out for!
UPS Scams In [currentyear]
UPS scams are unfortunately common, and customers need to be aware of them to protect themselves in [currentyear]. Often, scammers use fake UPS websites or false claims to target customers. Some of the most common UPS scams include sending a phony tracking number or email, asking for money upfront, and requesting personal information.
Read on and learn how to recognize and protect yourself against these scams to avoid losing money or having your identity stolen!
What Scams Target UPS Customers?
1. Phone Calls, Text Messages, Letters, Faxes, & Other Communications Fraudulently Using The UPS Name Or Brand
These communications, which purport to come from UPS, request that you click a link or open an attachment to update account information, confirm a package delivery, or track a package.
Generally, these scams aim to infect your computer with malware or steal your personal information.
So, if you receive any communication like this, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, forward the email to spam@ups.com and then delete it.
2. UPS Impostor Scams
In this scam, someone will call or email you claiming to be from UPS. They’ll say there’s a problem with a recent shipment and ask for personal information to “verify” your identity.
Also, they may even say there’s a package waiting for you, but you need to pay a fee to deliver it; this is a scam!
Therefore, do not give out any personal information, and hang up or delete the email if you receive one of these communications.
3. UPS Package Delivery Scams
In this scam, someone will call or email you claiming to be from UPS. They’ll say there’s a package waiting for you, but you need to pay a fee to deliver it; this is a scam!
So, if you didn’t expect a package from UPS, do not give out personal information.
However, if you were expecting a package, you could check the status online at ups.com or by calling 1-800-742-5877.
4. Phishing Scams
In this type of scam, you’ll receive an email that looks like it’s from UPS. It may say that there’s a problem with a recent shipment or that you need to update your account information.
For phishing scams, the goal is to get you to click on a link or open an attachment, infecting your computer with malware or stealing your personal information.
Therefore, if you receive any suspicious email purporting to be from UPS, do not click on any links or open any attachments.
Instead, forward the email to spam@ups.com and then delete it.
5. Websites Fraudulently Using The UPS Name Or Brand
These websites may look like legitimate UPS websites created to steal your personal information.
Additionally, they may have fake UPS tracking numbers that you can input, or they may ask you to update your account information. Do not enter any information on these websites!
If you’re unsure if a website is legitimate, you can check by going to ups.com and then clicking on the link.
Furthermore, it’s probably a scam if the website doesn’t take you to a UPS page.
6. UPS Work From Home Scam
In this scam, someone will contact you claiming to be from UPS. They’ll say they’re hiring people to work from home and ask you to pay a fee to start working; this is a scam!
That said, UPS does not charge fees to apply for or start working for the company. Instead, find actual UPS job openings on the UPS career website.
7. UPS Payroll (Or Other Checks) Processor Scam
In this scam, someone will contact you claiming to be from UPS.
Then, they’ll say that you’ve been chosen to be a part of the payroll processing team and ask you to provide your bank account information so they can deposit your paychecks; this is a scam!
Remember, do not provide your bank account information to anyone claiming to be from UPS.
8. UPS Mystery Shopping Scam
With this scam, someone will contact you claiming to be from UPS.
For this job, they will need customers to do mystery shopping at UPS stores and ask you to provide your credit card information so they can pay you for your services; this is a scam!
That said, never provide your credit card information to anyone claiming to be from UPS.
9. UPS Scholarship Scam
Sometimes a fake UPS worker will contact customers and say they have been chosen to receive a scholarship.
Next, they will ask you to provide your personal information or pay a fee to receive the scholarship; this is a scam!
Again, do not provide your personal information or pay any fees to someone claiming to be from UPS.
To find information about UPS scholarships, go to ups.com and click on the “About Us” link at the bottom of the page.
10. Fraudulent Checks Or Money Orders
If customers find a check or money order in the mail that purports to be from UPS, do not cash it!
That said, these checks and money orders are counterfeit, and you will be responsible for any associated fees.
Furthermore, if you have questions about whether a check or money order is legitimate, you can contact UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877.
11. Unauthorized Shipping Charges On Your Credit Card
Finally, if you see a UPS credit card charge that you don’t recognize, it may be because someone has stolen your credit card information and used it to ship packages.
If you see a charge you don’t recognize, contact UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877 to find out if it’s legitimate.
Then, if it’s not, you should report it to your credit card company as an unauthorized charge.
How Can I Protect Myself Against UPS Scams?
Some things customers can do to protect against these scams are:
- Don’t click on any links or open attachments in emails or other communications unless you’re sure they’re legitimate. If unsure, forward the email to spam@ups.com and then delete it.
- If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from UPS, do not give them any personal information. Hang up and call UPS at 1-800-742-5877 to determine if the call was legitimate.
- If you have questions about whether a UPS-related communication is legitimate, you can contact UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877.
- If you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission at gov/complaint.
To know more, you can also read our posts on UPS statistics, UPS background check, and UPS complaints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UPS scams are unfortunately common. Fraudsters often use UPS to scam people, so it’s essential to be aware of what to look out for.
That said, always remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Be vigilant and don’t let yourself get taken advantage of by these criminals.
As always, feel free to contact UPS if you have questions about UPS communications or offers.
