UPS Scams (Complete List of Scams to Watch Out for)
A new scam pops up every other day, and UPS is no exception. In fact, there are a lot of scams out there that specifically target UPS.
From package redirect scams to fake invoicing schemes, read on for a full list of UPS scams to watch out for!
UPS Scams in 2022
Unfortunately, UPS scams are common and customers need to be aware of them to protect themselves in 2022. Scammers often target customers with fake UPS websites or false claims. Some of the most common UPS scams include sending fake tracking numbers or emails, prepayments, and soliciting personal information.
Read on and learn how to identify and protect yourself from these scams to avoid losing money or having an identity theft!
Which scams target UPS customers?
1. Calls, text messages, letters, faxes and other communications using the UPS name or branding
These communications purporting to be from UPS require you to click a link or open an attachment to update account information, confirm package delivery, or track a package.
Often, these scams are designed to infect your computer with malware or steal your personal information.
Therefore, if you receive any such communication, please do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, forward the email to spam@ups.com and delete it.
2. UPS Imposter Scam
In this scam, someone will call or email you claiming you are from UPS. They’ll say there’s a problem with a recent shipment and ask for personal information to “verify” your identity.
Plus, they might even say there’s a package waiting for you, but you’ll need to pay a fee to deliver it; it’s a scam!
Therefore, if you receive one of these communications, do not divulge any personal information and hang up or delete the email.
3. UPS Package Delivery Scams
In this scam, someone will call or email you claiming you are from UPS. They’ll say there’s a package waiting for you, but you’ll need to pay a fee to deliver it; it’s a scam!
Therefore, if you did not expect UPS to receive the package, please do not disclose personal information.
However, if you are expecting a package, you can check the status online at ups.com or call 1-800-742-5877.
4. Phishing scams
In this type of scam, you receive an email that appears to be from UPS. It might say there was a problem with a recent shipment, or that you need to update your account information.
With phishing scams, the goal is to get you to click a link or open an attachment, infecting your computer with malware or stealing your personal information.
Therefore, if you receive any suspicious emails purporting to be from UPS, please do not click on any links or open any attachments.
Instead, forward the email to spam@ups.com and delete it.
5. Websites that use the UPS name or brand
These sites may appear to be legitimate UPS sites created to steal your personal information.
Also, they may have a fake UPS tracking number that you can enter, or they may ask you to update your account information. Do not enter any information on these sites!
If you’re not sure if a site is legitimate, you can go to ups.com and click the link to check.
Also, if the site doesn’t take you to the UPS page, it’s probably a scam.
6. UPS work-from-home scam
In this scam, someone will contact you claiming to be from UPS. They’ll say they’re hiring people to work from home and ask you to pay a fee to start work; it’s a scam!
That is, UPS does not charge a fee to apply or start working for the company. Instead, find actual UPS job openings on the UPS career site.
7. UPS Payroll (or Other Check) Processor Fraud
In this scam, someone will contact you claiming to be from UPS.
Then they’ll say you’ve been selected to be part of the payroll processing team and ask for your bank account information so they can deposit your paycheck; it’s a scam!
Remember, do not give your bank account information to anyone claiming to be from UPS.
8. UPS Mystery Shopping Scam
Through this scam, someone will contact you claiming to be from UPS.
For this job, they need customers to do mystery shopping at UPS stores and ask for your credit card information so they can pay for your services; it’s a scam!
That said, never give your credit card information to anyone claiming to be from UPS.
9. UPS Scholarship Scam
Sometimes fake UPS workers contact customers and say they have been selected for scholarships.
Next, they’ll ask you for personal information or pay a fee to get a scholarship; it’s a scam!
Likewise, do not provide your personal information or pay any fees to anyone claiming to be from UPS.
To find information about UPS scholarships, visit ups.com and click the “About Us” link at the bottom of the page.
10. Fraudulent checks or money orders
If a customer finds a check or money order in the mail purporting to be from UPS, DO NOT cash it!
That said, these checks and money orders are forged and you will be responsible for any associated charges.
Additionally, if you have questions about the legitimacy of a check or money order, you can contact UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877.
11. Unauthorized Shipping on Credit Cards
Finally, if you see a charge on a UPS credit card you don’t recognize, it may be because someone stole your credit card information and used it to ship a package.
If you see a charge that you do not recognize, please contact UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877 to see if it is legal.
Then, if not, you should report it to your credit card company as an unauthorized charge.
How can I protect myself from UPS scams?
There are a few things customers can do to guard against these scams:
- Do not click on any links or open attachments in emails or other communications unless you are sure they are legitimate. If unsure, forward email to spam@ups.com and delete it.
- If you receive a call claiming to be from UPS, please do not give them any personal information. Hang up and call UPS at 1-800-742-5877 to determine if the call is legitimate.
- If you have questions about the legality of UPS-related communications, you may contact UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877.
- If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission at gov/complaint.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on UPS Statistics, UPS Background Checks, and UPS Complaints.
in conclusion
In conclusion, unfortunately, UPS scams are common. Fraudsters often use UPS to scam people, so it’s important to know what to watch out for.
That said, always remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Stay vigilant and don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of by these criminals.
As always, if you have any questions about UPS communications or quotes, please feel free to contact UPS.
