USPS delivery notification pop-up (Scam?)

Motie

I just got this pop-up on my Windows laptop. It is not a text or email. Is this a new kind of scam? Thanks.

Alexandru_BD

Hello @Motie,

The first natural question that arises here is: are you expecting any parcel? 🙂

In any case, parcel delivery information will never pop-up out of the blue when browsing. I think it's safe to say that this is most likely a scam. Parcel delivery scams are a type of phishing or fraud scheme where scammers trick individuals into giving away personal information, making payments, or installing malware by exploiting the popularity of online shopping and parcel deliveries.

The fake delivery notification often contains links or attachments. When clicked or downloaded, they can:

• Install malware: This could be spyware, ransomware, or a virus that compromises your device, allowing scammers to steal sensitive information like passwords, banking details, or monitor your activity.
• Redirect to phishing sites: The link may lead to a fraudulent website designed to look like a legitimate courier company’s site. Once there, you're asked to enter personal information, payment details, or credit card numbers. So, most likely that "track package" button will do just that.

Common signs for this type of scam include: urgent language asking you to take immediate action; links or attachments in the message for tracking the delivery or rescheduling; requests for personal information like name, address, or even payment details. This is not a new type of scam and has been circulating for some time in various forms. Scammers might claim that a parcel requires additional customs duties or delivery fees before it can be released to you. They direct you to provide payment through a link or over the phone, often with the promise that it’s a small fee, which leads to more substantial charges or theft of payment details. Sometimes, scammers place fake missed delivery cards through physical mail, instructing recipients to call a number to arrange a redelivery. These numbers can be premium-rate lines, resulting in expensive phone charges, or the caller is tricked into giving personal details. Also, scammers may pose as a delivery service and ask you to confirm or redirect a parcel. If they get your personal details (like your real address or ID), they could use it to commit identity theft or to redirect your actual deliveries to themselves. In some cases, scammers might have access to data breaches from legitimate retailers. They’ll send a delivery notice that coincides with a real order you’ve placed, tricking you into thinking it’s authentic. This makes it easier to fall for the scam.

Here are some tips to protect yourself against these delivery scams:

Always check the source of the delivery notification by going directly to the courier’s official website and using tracking numbers or contacting them directly. Be wary of unexpected messages. If you weren’t expecting a package, question the legitimacy of the notification. Don’t click on links or download attachments from unexpected emails or SMS. Check for misspellings or incorrect addresses. Scams often have minor errors that can signal fraud. Track your deliveries using official apps of courier services. Don’t call unknown or premium-rate numbers provided on delivery notifications.

If this notification pops up again, it could happen due to a browser extension you might have unknowingly installed, or a browser redirect. Clear the cache & cookies and reset your browser to get rid of it.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Alex

Motie

No, I am not expecting a parcel. Thanks for the info.