Warning from BACS Beware of parcel charges - you could quickly end up in a subscription trap
A text message, an alleged customs fee and suddenly a subscription payment is running up on your credit card every month. Fraudsters use fake parcel notifications to lure victims into paid subscriptions without them realizing it.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- Fake parcel notifications demand small amounts. These are often hidden subscription traps or credit card phishing.
- Anyone who receives such a message should check the consignment number and sender critically and, if in doubt, contact the parcel service directly.
- Anyone who has already entered data must have their credit card blocked immediately and check transactions.
Although phishing or fraudulent messages are recognized and deleted in many cases nowadays, the parcel fraud scam remains successful. Parcel notifications appear credible because they are linked to everyday delivery problems and you only have to click on a link for further information. However, anyone who clicks on the link ends up on fraudulent websites where credit card details are requested or those affected are led into a subscription trap. The increasing use of delivery services in particular is making it more and more difficult to distinguish a genuine delivery problem from a fake.
Behind supposedly harmless messages drawing attention to a delivery problem, there is often more than just customs duties. What is particularly insidious is that such messages often only ask for a very small payment, such as 1.99 francs. It is precisely this small amount that is intended to create trust and reduce inhibitions.
In some cases, however, the supposed fee is not just an attempt to steal credit card details. At first glance, some pages often look like classic phishing: the pages are designed in such a way that they appear to be legitimate and crucial information only becomes visible on closer inspection. After several steps, those affected are led unnoticed into a paid subscription. The actual information is sometimes hidden outside the visible area of the page or only mentioned in the small print or in the terms and conditions. Those affected often only notice the financial consequences later on their credit card statement.
Check the story for plausibility
Because parcel notifications are nothing unusual in everyday life, it is worth taking a second look. Are you expecting a shipment at all? Is the consignment number correct? Does the alleged sender match the situation? The BACS recommends comparing the consignment number in the event of an actual delivery and, if in doubt, contacting the parcel service or customs authority directly.
Do not enter any payment details on linked sites
Anyone who responds to such a message is often asked to enter credit card details. In some cases, Paysafe cards or payment codes are also requested. You should not respond to this. The BACS expressly advises against providing credit card details or payment codes in connection with such parcel messages. You should also be particularly careful if a supposedly free or low-cost offer is only accessible by providing credit card details.
Act quickly if you have already entered data
If you have already entered credit card details, you should contact your credit card service provider immediately to have the card blocked. It is also advisable to regularly check the transactions on your credit card so that fraudulent charges can be detected and reported as early as possible. In such cases in particular, it is important to act quickly to limit the damage.
Safe handling of parcel notifications may require a little more attention. However, this effort can save your money. Precisely because small amounts and everyday situations seem harmless, critical checking remains crucial.
You can also find more information at www.s-u-p-e-r.ch.
