Fake Package Delivery: Useful Tips to Avoid Getting Duped

“The delivery agent could not reach you. Please click on the link to reschedule your delivery date” Is this message real or a new trap? Fraudsters exploit the convenience of e-commerce to target individuals. Parcel scams are one of them, and they have made the online environment far riskier for everyday users.

This blog thus provides essential tips to help you identify fake parcel scams and protect your personal and financial information from falling into the hands of scammers.

What is Fake Package Delivery?

In a fake package delivery, a scammer impersonates a delivery company to gain personal information.

The parcel scams start with a phone call from the fraudsters claiming they are waiting to deliver your package. However, their primary goal is to extract your personal information, mainly your account details.

Hindustan Times reports that on October 11, 2025,  a 78-year-old resident of Bengaluru filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police after receiving a fraudulent parcel allegedly dispatched by a fraudster. The unknown scammer, moreover, had tricked people across India with fake cash-on-delivery orders. 

This scam is growing rapidly, and scammers can target anyone. Hence, save yourself from any cyber scams with Bajaj General Insurance. Buy Cyber Insurance online with a plan starting at ₹1 per day!

Examples of Parcel Delivery Scams

Scammers can trap you by sending messages such as:

1. “A small amount of payment is required”, for instance, ₹400 or ₹500.

2. “The warehouse team will send your package back due to incorrect address information”. After this, you will be asked to provide additional personal details, such as your bank account information.

3. “The delivery agent could not reach you”. Scammers typically include a link in this type of message to reschedule your delivery. 

4. “The delivery company cannot deliver the parcel until you install the app”. These apps, moreover, contain spyware that captures your personal details.

7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Fake Parcel Scam

Here are the 7 effective ways to protect yourself from parcel scams.

Double-Verify the Code on the Official Website

Double-check the delivery code against the official website to ensure it matches the one being claimed. Always remember that authorised websites send a detailed delivery tracking link.

Purchase Products From Secure Websites

We tend to buy products that look appealing to us, and scammers capitalise on this impulse and create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones. Therefore, avoid buying from websites that do not have “https”.

Do Not Click on Suspicious Links

Once the scammers have extracted your personal information, they send you links through SMS and via email. These are scam links designed to get more personal information from you.

Do Not Share Your Personal Information

If the delivery agent requests your personal information during delivery, do not provide it. Scammers commonly use this tactic to gather sensitive information.

Avoid Taking an Unknown Package

If you do not recognise the package that claims to be yours, avoid taking it. This is the most important step, because scammers use unknown packages to trick people into engaging with fraudulent activities.

Be Aware of the ID

These phone calls are mostly fake because scammers call from different area codes. The branded sender’s name is always misspelt. Instead of Myntra, the sender may type the name meentra, which shows it is not legitimate.

Buy Cyber Insurance

A cyber insurance plan protects you from malware and cyberattacks. Policies like Bajaj General Insurance’s Individual Cyber Safe Plan cover your direct and pure financial loss. Any online transactions made via legitimate payment cards, mobile wallets or net banking or a fake parcel scam.  

Final Thoughts

Parcel scams continue to rise, making it increasingly important for buyers to stay alert. Thus, recognising suspicious messages, fake delivery attempts, avoiding unknown links and relying only on official websites, you can lower the risks of falling into fraudulent activities.

Stay one step ahead of fraudsters by buying cyber insurance online from Bajaj General Insurance and safeguard your digital life with reliable, affordable protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if you receive an unexpected parcel?

First, confirm that it is not a gift from anyone, and that your family members have not placed an order. After that, notify the online marketplace, but do not call the provided number and file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

How can I spot a fake parcel scam?

Look for any unauthorised links requesting payment, as well as your personal information. Additionally, scammers use poor spelling and grammar that do not align with the official courier website.

What should I do if I accidentally click on a scam online shopping link?

Disconnect from the internet, do not add any personal information, change your mobile password immediately, and monitor your bank accounts.

Can cash-on-delivery (COD) packages be scammed too?

Yes, scammers can definitely scam cash-on-delivery. They exploit the trust linked with physical delivery and cash payment. 

Is it safe if delivery-related calls ask for personal details?

No, it is not safe. Legitimate delivery agents will never ask for sensitive information like your card number, OTP, CVV, or PIN. If a caller requests such details, it’s a strong sign of a scam, and you should disconnect immediately.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.