SAN DIEGO — Holiday shoppers beware, online purchases and package deliveries skyrocket during this season and scammers are taking advantage.
What seems like an ordinary text from a delivery driver or company could be a scammer working to get your personal information.
"After those funds are gone It's basically impossible to catch the scammer at that point," said Jasmine Hill, the operations engagement lead at the Better Business Bureau.
Beware of scammers impersonating delivery companies. They send texts to get your personal information. The message may ask for you to confirm your address using a link. The BBB says links or phone numbers could be a red flag.
"Don't directly call the phone number they're giving you as it might lead to somewhere else and then they might start asking for your address, can you verify the card you used and that's when they can have your identity at this point," Hill said.
If you're suspicious, Hill says to never click the link. Google the phone number before calling it to make sure its legit. Visit your merchant's website to check the shipping and delivery status. It's also a good idea to watch your bank and alert them as well.
"They may go in and take $10 and you may not notice it. They may take $50. You also want to keep an eye on your account," she said.
Other red flags include the text not saying who shipped the package, what it is or who it's being sent to. It's also a good idea to keep a record of your tracking information. If a text is missing that information then it's likely a scam.
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