The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has recently alerted consumers about the rise of 'Discreet Shipping Scams,' particularly as the holiday shopping season gains momentum.
This warning follows a report of a scam submitted to the BBB's tracker.
Charged for Discreet Shipping Fee
The report said that fake online stores were asking for a hidden shipping fee for what they said were special stamps or packaging.
The extra fee was said to be for special packing or stamps, but it was just a way to get money from people who shop online.
For a variety of reasons, customers report being charged for covert shipping.
Multiple reports were sent to the BBB Scam Tracker by people who bought diet pills, vaping goods, ammunition, CBD edibles, or other similar items.
The fee is usually added when a customer marks an online buy as a gift.
Other con artists tell people they are shopping that they need to pay for private package stamps so their packages cannot pass through customs.
Meanwhile, a customer who bought smokes online complained to the BBB. After making the purchase, the customer began receiving emails requesting additional payment for what seemed to be refunded delivery insurance.
"After that," the customer told the BBB, "they asked for more money for a delivery method the sender said would be private." They won't return. The order, give me back the money I paid or send the package without getting more cash from me.
But the BBB said it's not likely that the shopper will see anything. "Unfortunately for this shopper, the package and the cigars probably never existed in the first place," the BBB added.
BBB Warning for Online Shoppers
In 2023, the holiday shopping season is full of warnings about fake websites that pretend to be big-name brands and take consumers' cash.
The BBB cautions that these fraudsters often prompt payments via digital apps like Zelle or CashApp. Unfortunately, getting your money back is typically impossible once you use these apps for payment and realize the company is fraudulent.
It's safer to use a credit card for online purchases. Disputing charges is more accessible, especially if your order doesn't arrive as expected.
Before making a purchase, it's wise to do a bit of background check. Look up the company name online and the term 'scam' to uncover potential fraudulent activities.
Moreover, scammers are exploiting social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, presenting enticing deals to attract consumers looking for cost-effective options. Lately, these scammers have offered an additional, costly option for "discreet shipping" to deceive consumers further.
Furthermore, another red flag for these scams is receiving unusual emails from customer service. One such email received by a consumer read: "Apologies for the delay. According to the logistics company, your package has been delivered.
However, it appears we've sent the wrong item. Your package should contain a pair of 3D polarized sunglasses. Please locate this package. We've incurred significant losses and need your assistance in finding this package, after which we will dispatch the correct item to you."
