Protections Against Delivery Scams and Brushing Fraud
Imagine paying for something online and never getting it, receiving the wrong item or getting a mystery package you didn’t order. Be aware of where you’re spending your money online and any unexpected deliveries.
How These Scams Work
In each of these situations, your payment information could be at risk.
- Nondelivery Scams — You pay for an item online that never arrives. The scammer keeps your money and may steal from you using your payment information.
- Wrong Item Scams — You purchase an item online but receive something of much lower quality and value. Typically, the scammers never replace the item or provide a fake return address to prevent you from receiving a refund.
- Brushing Fraud — Scammers send unexpected packages to your door and include a QR code that promises details about your “gift,” like how to return it. Instead, scanning the code infects your device with malware that steals your financial details and other private information.
If you think you are a victim of one of these scams, take the following steps.
- Change Your Passwords — Update passwords on shopping, email and bank accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Check Your Credit — Watch for unknown accounts or charges. If you see something suspicious, freeze your credit and report the activity.
- Don’t Contact the Sender — Scammers want you to reach out. They’ll try to get more personal info to steal your identity.
- Never Scan Mystery QR Codes — QR codes can hide malware that steals your information. Only scan codes from trusted sources.
If You Paid for an Item That Never Arrived
In some cases, an undelivered or wrong item are legitimate mistakes made by a reputable company. Federal law protects you if you paid for an item that wasn’t delivered. Here’s what you need to know, according to the FTC.
- Shipping Dates — Sellers must ship your order within the promised time. If no time is listed, it must ship within 30 days of your purchase.
- Delays — If there’s a delay, the seller must notify you and give you the option to agree to the new shipping date or cancel the order for a full refund.
- Avoid Shopping Hassles — Stick with trusted companies. Read refund policies before buying. Save receipts and tracking numbers until the item arrives.