METRO DETROIT – During the holiday season many of you are worried about your packages arriving safely at your door.
Con artists are looking to exploit that fear and the fact that many of you receive a lot of packages this time of year.
Along with the Better Business Bureau, Help Me Hank is sounding the alarm about two types of delivery scams.
"This one is a 'seasonal con,' if you will," warned Melanie Duquesnel, CEO of the local Better Business Bureau.
Beware of mystery delivery emails, texts
One approach involves a text message or email claiming a delivery is on the way, but you need to confirm some information. You might be asked to click on a link, but don't do it! Scammers often create very professional looking emails allegedly from UPS, FedEx or even the Post Office. If you click on the link, you could unleash malware in your computer. If you share personal information as part of the "verification process," you've just shared that information with a con artist.
Instead, get out of the email or text. Go to the legitimate website of the retailer allegedly sending the package or or the delivery service claiming to have a delivery. Once you have a reliable source, you can check to see if you might possible have an unexpected delivery.
Scammers on your doorstep
The other scam is more disturbing. The Better Business Bureau says someone will call claiming to be a delivery service with a package for you. Later, someone shows up to your door with a package, but there's a catch.
"'Oh! There's a verification fee that I need to verify because there's alcohol in this package. I need to get your credit card to verify.' Now, we don't want that," said Duquesnel. "When a delivery person is at your front door saying, I need a credit card, that's the first indication. Just shut the door, and pick up the phone and call the police."
If any unexpected delivery person shows up at your door always try to keep a barrier, like a locked screen door, between the two of you. Also, ask to see credentials. If you'd like to take an extra measure of precaution, you can even call the delivery company to confirm the delivery is the real thing.
Don't let anyone inside, until you're 100 percent the visit is legitimate. And, remember, no one is required to answer the door.
"My two cents, if you're home alone and you don't feel strong enough to go through a potential confrontations, I would never even indicate that you are home!" said Duquesnel.
More Scam Alerts: www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts