IPS Delivery Scam: Protect Yourself

Preying on the proliferation of online shopping and reliance on delivery services, scammers have devised an insidious new scam impersonating legitimate couriers such as IPS. The IPS delivery scam is a fraudulent scheme targeting individuals expecting package deliveries.

Deceitful text messages are sent informing recipients of supposed “issues” with pending deliveries, urging them to click on phishing links that stealthily steal personal data.

Remaining vigilant for telltale signs of fraud and refraining from clicking unverified links helps protect consumers from becoming unsuspecting victims of this nefarious criminal operation designed to exploit people’s dependence on package deliveries.

How the IPS Delivery Scam Works

Scammers use the following tactics in the IPS delivery scam:

• Spoof the phone number to appear as a legitimate delivery company
• Send text messages saying you have unpaid customs fees or other delivery issues
• Provide phishing links claiming you need to fill out a form or pay fees to receive your package
• Threaten delivery cancellation or returning your package if you do not act
• Once clicked, the phishing sites steal login credentials, financial information, or install malware

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Common Red Flags

Watch for these signs of a potential IPS delivery scam:

• Requests for sensitive information over text messages
• Poor grammar, spelling errors, or other mistakes
• Unusual payment requests (gift cards, cryptocurrency, etc.)
• Links to sketchy websites instead of the official company site

Protecting Yourself from This Scam

As online shopping and deliveries continue to rise, scammers are finding more opportunities to target unsuspecting consumers with delivery scams. The IPS scam in particular exploits the fact that people are highly reliant on couriers to receive their purchases. Staying vigilant is key to avoiding falling victim.

Verify Before Clicking Links

Never assume a text notification is legitimate, no matter how realistic it looks. Take a minute to confirm directly with the company if something seems suspicious. Check that the full URL matches the official website, and hover over links before clicking to view the true destination.

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Enable Login Protections

Make use of account security measures like two-factor authentication whenever available. This requires a one-time code in addition to your password when logging in from a new device. Activating this extra layer of protection ensures that even if scammers get your login credentials, they likely won’t be able to access your accounts.

Keep Software Updated

Maintain real-time antivirus software and keep it updated. Security companies are constantly working to identify new phishing scams and malicious sites. Up-to-date software gives you better protection against latest threats. Consider using a password manager as well to ensure unique, complex passwords on all accounts.

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What to Do If You Are Targeted

If you happen to click on a suspicious link or provide any sensitive information, take action quickly to prevent further damage:

Monitor Accounts Closely

Carefully check bank and financial accounts along with credit reports for any signs of misuse of your information. Watch for fraudulent charges or any accounts opened without your authorization. The faster you can detect identity theft, the quicker you can work to limit losses.

Reset Passwords

If there is any chance your login credentials have been captured through a phishing site, reset passwords immediately. Use unique passwords for each financial account, email, and website to limit access. Avoid reusing the same credentials across multiple sites.

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Contact Banks and Credit Bureaus

Notify your bank and credit card companies regarding the scam attempt and possible compromise of information. They can watch for suspicious charges and may issue new card numbers. Also set up fraud alerts with credit bureaus to monitor your reports closely for criminal activity.

Report the Attempt

File a complaint with the FTC regarding the scam attempt so authorities can continue building cases around these illegal operations. Provide details on the phone number, links, or company names used in the scam. The more evidence collected, the better chance law enforcement has of pursuing cyber criminals.

The Increase in Delivery Scams

As more people rely on delivery services for online orders, these scams exploit that dependence. Delivery scams increased by over 20% from 2020 to 2021 alone. The use of realistic brand spoofing and urgent threats makes these scams convincing.

Stay vigilant against any suspicious delivery notifications:

• Never assume a message is legitimate – verify directly
• Check for grammar/spelling issues common in scams
• Hover over links to view the actual URL destination before clicking
• Talk to family members about identifying scams before they become victims

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Long-Term Precautions

Beyond individual vigilance against scams, larger actions can improve safety:

• Pressure delivery companies to implement improved caller ID spoofing protections
• Call for social media companies to enhance cybercrime monitoring on their platforms
• Advocate for requirements to teach financial literacy and fraud awareness in schools

Being an informed consumer remains your best defense against increasingly sophisticated scams and fraud schemes looking to take advantage of shoppers. Share information on new scam methods with family members and report all fraud attempts to make progress in combating these criminal operations. Stay safe online by never letting your guard down!