If you’re buying something online and want to be sure you’re getting your package, make sure to get a tracking number. Scammers sometimes develop fake tracking numbers in order to make buyers wait longer for their packages, which gives the fraudsters more time to delete their website or launder the stolen money. ..
How Does USPS Fake Tracking Number Work?
The scam is when buyers receive a confirmation email with a tracking number from USPS, but the tracking number is fake. The scam happens when buyers purchase a product and then are not able to receive the product because it was delivered to another address. The scam can also happen if the buyer does not receive the product because USPS did not send the tracking number.
What Is A USPS Tracking Number?
The USPS provides a tracking number to packages so that consumers can track the progress of their package until it arrives at their homes, office, or collection centre. Fraudsters give a tracking number that is either fake or legitimate but not assigned to your package. The item does not exist, or the USPS tracking number was assigned to another package.
If you check the USPS portal for tracking numbers, you may find that some of your products have been shipped to an address other than the one that was supposed to be receiving them. This is because the scammers have managed to get a tracking number for a product that is valid but assigned to another product. They will then use this number to try and sell you a false story about how your products were delivered to an incorrect address. This will cause you financial losses, and likely lead to USPS being blamed for the mistake.
How Do You Determine Whether A USPS Tracking Number Is Fake?
If you’re buying something online, be sure to check the seller’s return policy before you buy. If there is a problem with the item, the seller may not be able to help you. If you have a problem with the item after you’ve received it, contact your local post office or police department. They can help track down the seller and get your money back. ..
It is advisable to check the USPS tracking number received at checkout before completing the order to determine if it’s a valid tracking number. Use the USPS tracking website to check whether the tracking number matches the format for USPS tracking numbers. The website provides a different format for all USPS tracking numbers, enabling you to determine whether the provided tracking number matches the format.
The USPS is warning customers that fake or stolen tracking numbers are being used to steal money. When a tracking number is stolen, it will be recognized as valid on the USPS website, but the item will be delivered to another address. The waiting period gives fraudsters time to cover their tracks by shutting down websites or laundering the stolen money to an untraceable destination. ..
How Can You Protect Yourself From USPS Fake Tracking Numbers?
Is the site registered with the government? Are the contact details for the seller working? Is the price lower than other retailers? Are the security settings good? Do BBB ratings exist for this site? If you are thinking of buying something online, be sure to do your research. Check to see if the site is registered with the government, and make sure that the contact information for the seller is up-to-date and working. Also, be sure to compare prices before making a purchase. Scammers often give low prices in order to lure customers into scams. Finally, always make sure that you are using a secure site by checking that it starts with “https” and includes a locked item on your purchase. ..
Conclusion
Faking USPS tracking numbers is another way scammers can steal customers’ money. Scammers blame USPS for the “lost package” and get away with shoppers’ money. Protect yourself from such scams by buying from reputable websites and confirming whether the provided USPS tracking number is legitimate. If you have already paid, contact the seller for cancellation or your credit card to cancel the transaction. Fraudsters provide fake numbers to PayPal to mark the order as fulfilled and win disputes filed by the customers. If you used PayPal to pay for your order, provide documentation on the fake tracking numbers, including product, shipping destination, and dates, to help PayPal refund your money and stop a scammer.
