Better Business Bureau Warns Against Shipping Scams

Scams intended for identity theft

Tools

By Lacie Grosvold

Story Created: Dec 10, 2012 at 6:18 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 10, 2012 at 6:18 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Alaskans shop online more than people in the Lower 48. That also means they are targeted more often by scammers posing as a shipping company.

A scammer will send mass emails out in hopes that one of the recipients has sent a package recently or is expecting something in the mail. The email contains a link where they ask people to update their shipping information.

If their phishing is successful, people provide personal information that allows scammers to steal their identity.

These tactics are especially deceptive because they use the names of popular shippers and lead users to legitimate looking websites.

Adam Harkness with the Better Busines Bureau said it's important to be leery of "unsolicited e-mails" from your shippers. He said if you get an email that fits the description above, double check with your shipping company. "Delete it. Go in the phone book or Google the company name. Look up the actual company. The point is you want to reach out to the company yourself."

Another thing to keep in mind: Scammers often have poor grammar or misspellings in their contact. This should be a red flag that you've encountered a scammer.

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