Since online shopping has taken root as the new way of shopping, then it is vital that firms like FedEx figure out how to deliver those products from sellers to buyers.
However, the convenience of fast deliveries has also given rise to a darker side: concern of scam related to FedEx is escalating in frequency. As a result, the scams involve both private perons and companies, making people trust someone who is now using the name of FedEx and stealing God knows what from them.
In this article, you will discover the different types of FedEx scams, how they operate and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
The Surge in FedEx Scams
In the last several years, there has been noting that the number of scams related to the shipping and delivery companies, including FedEx, has been rising. Due to the increasing number of people making online orders and adopting delivery services to get their products, scammers have remotely deceived more people. FedEx has been one of the most trusted global parcel delivery services to be exposed to these scams often by people who want to trick consumers seeking their services.
As internet shopping evolves higher numbers of packages are being delivered to customers. More than 50 million people in United States depend on such companies as FedEx for delivery of their goods within the shortest time. But the same point to the fact that there are millions of opportunities for scammers to trick naive customers in the market. Nowadays, there are hundreds of instances where individuals are tricked into taking delivery of what appears to be the genuine FedEx notification e-mail,telephone call or even a fake delivery notice which could lead to the detriment of the victims’ financial or identity status.
Understanding FedEx Scams
FedEx imitations can be structured in many ways but mostly include con artists impersonating the company or using its name to infiltrate a person’s life. These scams rely on the fact that the consumer is familiar with FedEx so he/she will trust any communication received to be genuine. The following are some of the most typical FedEx scams which you should avoid.
Caller ID Spoofing
Another trick by scammers is to use caller ID spoofing as a way of pretending to be from FedEx. Here, the fraudster changes your phone number to that of the company you trust, such as the FedEx company. When the victim takes the call, he hears a recorded message or a live person impersonating a FedEx employee who informs the victim about a problem with their consignment.
The most common tricks are when the fake senders apply pressure, stating that the recipient’s package will be delayed or returned if they do not pay up. They can also request for other private details over the phone including credit card details or identification number. Whatever the case, people should be careful when receiving phone calls and then ask to know who is on the other end before doing anything.
How to Save Yourself From FedEx Scams
Since many different FedEx scams are out there, consumers should be sure to take preventive measures. From this article, there are some important guidelines that can assist you avoid being part of these scams.
The Source of the Communication Should Be Identified
In the worst possible scenario where a notification has been received via email, text message, phone call or a letter, one should always follow the source of the message. Only official mail regarding FedEx will be sent through official means such as through a webpage of the FedEx company or customer support telephone numbers. If you still are not quite sure that a received message is a genuine, always type the official website of FedEx and sign in your account on it; in addition, you can contact the FedEx support service using the information provided on the site.
Do not click on links on emails that seem too good to be true
As a general rule, phishing e-mails and text messages contain links that point to a website impersonating the entity that the link represents. No matter the content, the message, or the sender, don’t ever click on the links presented in the spam messages, especially if the message demands information or says it’s urgent. In case, proceed to the separate website of FedEx and to check your shipment status enter the number manually.
Do not give out personal details if one is called on the phone.
As for a tip, FedEx will never request personal or financial information over the phone, unless you are the one to call them. As usual, the invitation to collaborate arrives with a persuasion to reveal some important details like credit card number, password, etc. If any person, pretending to be from FedEx, threatens to deliver the package or calls you asking for the details, you should not give in and hang up the phone immediately and call the company with some verified number. Never provide your credit card number, Social Security number, or any other personal information unless the request is genuine.
Be Cautious with Job Offers
If you are seeking employment online, do not trust the jobs that are offering you the chance to earn a lot of cash sitting at home shipping or handling shipments. Even these kinds of offers may make you think it is really legitimate, however, they are mostly a façade. Any serious employer will never require you to take packages and forward on their behalf. Always ensure that you look for such company offering such positions and also should be careful while feeding the company with such details.
Install and use security software and two factor authentication.
To prevent your computers and other devices from being attacked by viruses or hacked, you should use software which can identify phishing scams and shut down dangerous URLs. Therefore, to make your FedEx a bit more secure, it is recommended that you turn on the two-factor authentication (2FA). This could help in minimizing unauthorized access to your account even if your credentials online have been stolen.
What FedEx Is Doing to Combat Scams
To say the least FedEx knows that difficulties are rising in connection with Internet scams and its name is being used. He said the management of the company refines the anti-fraud measures when necessary and collaborates with law enforcement departments to expunge fraudulent activities. Customers are also given information about typical scams and advices on how to avoid the scams as well as how to report cases of identity fraud.
The firm has also enhanced measures to prevent and prevent fraudulent messages, as well as, protect the users data and information. It also empowers the customers to report the scams for the company to follow to the right action.
Conclusion
There are more instances of FedEx scams especially due to the development of e-commerce and the following blog seeks to educate consumers to distinguish genuine FedEx scams from the fake ones. Once you know how these scams work and information about identity theft protection, your chances to become a victim of fraud connected with FedEx will be minimal. Avoid responding to such messages, never disclose your FedEx Tracking number or any other personal information over the phone and finally if one has any doubt or noticed anything wrong he or she should report to FedEx. That way, you’re safeguarding yourself from the rising instances of FedEx scams that are making the rounds today.
