How to identify a shipping scam
“Be careful; your PayPal account has been hacked! Our system detects unusual activity… Click here to activate your account.’
Here is a real example of a scam you may encounter on the Internet. This example is something to smile about. Who would be tricked by such an absurd strategy, will you tell us?
More people than you think… The scam business is particularly lucrative, and the shipping scammers are particularly skilled. Because the logistics industry is not spared, Eurosender gives you some tips to avoid falling into their traps.
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1) Search the company name on Google
If you have received a suspicious email from an unknown company, it is best to check their website.
Be careful, however: Scammers generally use a company name very similar to that of an existing company. They can add a word or even a simple letter. Therefore, if you observe two very similar websites during your search, be careful!
The scammer parade:
Scammers are creating more and more websites that look authentic and professional. Googling the company name is thus not a 100% reliable option.
The solution:
As professional as the website looks, there is generally one element that does not mislead: the logo.
Two possible options: The scammers stole another company’s logo or modified it. In any case, the logo is often pixelated and of poor quality. Ask yourself if the logo is consistent with the rest of the site.
Another way to detect a scam? Consumer reviews. Look at the number of negative comments. In general, below 3 out of 5 stars, the company can hardly be considered reliable.
2) Check the company’s experience
You have just googled the company name, and you find out two very similar websites. Which one is a scam? The most recent, no doubt. I don’t need to explain why.
The scammer parade:
Again, this is not an unshakeable truth. It is easy to falsify information on the Internet. During our research, a site strangely similar to ours indicated that it was created in 1997… One year before Google was created.
“Dear scammers… Next time, be more consistent. »
The solution:
Contact the company that you think is most reliable by phone and calmly ask them for more information: the number of employees in the company, the type of business they use, the location of their different offices, etc…
3) Attention with package delivery notice scams
A new scam trick that is on the rise is the so-called ˝package delivery notice˝. As the name says, this scam deceives users when contacting customers with a false delivery notice. What appears harmless can end up stealing your financial information and data and wreaking havoc. Authentic and adaptable, this scam occurs through different means of communication.
Fake delivery notice through a text message:
It is widespread for couriers to use text messages to communicate a delivery. And that is precisely why scammers started using this ruse. They create false but persuasive messages, acting as known couriers to deceive people. How to avoid this?
- Generally, in text messages from couriers, the cellphone number is not displayed. Instead, the Company name is displayed. Be wary of messages from unknown numbers.
- Messages that contain tracking links or delivery date marking must include the company name on the link.
- If you click on the link, never insert your personal or financial information in any survey or process opening. Trusted couriers do not send unsolicited messages asking for this type of information.
Fake delivery notice email:
Although the email platforms already have a scam identification tool, stay tuned. If you received an email regarding a delivery notice, you must pay attention to a few aspects:
- Go to the official website of the company and check if they provide the email that contacted you.
- Be wary of emails that say you must pay something immediately to receive your order.
- Be wary of emails that request personal and financial information.
Fake delivery notice inside the mailbox:
More unusual but still present. It often requires you to transfer an amount of money for your order to be released. Or it directs you to contact a phone number or email.
- Never transfer money.
- Do not contact the numbers mentioned in the delivery notice.
- Instead, contact the agency in person, or contact by the phone/email mentioned on the official website.
4) Check each red flag
In the case of a suspicious email:
- Check that the email address is the same as the company.
- Check for spelling errors.
- Check if they have abnormal requests for information, money, etc.
- Check if the URL links match with the official company website.
- Verify if your order number or parcel tracking number is mentioned in the email.
The scammer parade:
Scammers most often use some problem or emergency in their email, to get customers to take immediate actions. It is a prevalent manipulation technique. You are led to believe that you must pay additional fees as quickly as possible, at the risk of your package being returned to the sender.
The solution:
No company worthy of the name will use a financial threat to its customers. In this case, the solution is straightforward: remain rational and delete the mail, without clicking on any links proposed by the scammer. Be safe; people! Think before clicking shady links or paying to someone!
5) How can you recognize a Eurosender scam?
- Eurosender emails always follow the domain @eurosender.com. Any email received from a source that allegedly is Eurosender must contain that domain. For example, a few of our legitimate emails:
For example, a few fake emails:
- lin.eurosender@rgd.co
- Eurosender@gmail.com
- Info@euroseender.com
2. Unless it is an exceptional case, we do not send requests for additional payments per email. Our clients pay securely on our platform.
3. If you receive a request for additional payment, it will be by an already known email that was in contact with you before.
4. Our emails will always have the name of the agent who is dealing with your case.
5. Our emails will always contain our logo.
6. If anything differs from the mentioned above, contact us to confirm the veracity of the email.
Still have questions?
Check our articles that answer the most common questions about shipping.