Avast ye scurvy dogs! Me booty was pillaged by these scallywags peddling bogus booty through UPS!
2023-07-18
Arrr, me hearties! Beware the foul swindle o' receivin' a check from UPS! 'Tis a certified scam, me mateys. Them scurvy hackers be stealin' UPS account info, makin' ye an easy target. Mind yer wits, or ye be walkin' the plank!
Unfortunately, if you've received an unexpected check in a UPS envelope, it's a scam. Like so many Americans today, I have been targeted by some online crooks who hacked into my UPS account. Some scammer hacked into my UPS account to charge tens of thousands of dollars in overnight shipping charges to send next-day envelopes from various fake companies containing a fraudulent check inside each one. Luckily, I received a notification from UPS about activity in my account, and a few of the envelopes were returned to my address as undeliverable. That's when I found the checks inside the UPS envelopes totaling over $100,000. My account was charged a whopping $40,000, and still climbing. This is a major scam you should be looking out for so you don't fall victim on either end. How this UPS next-day check scam works is downright deceptive. Here's how this fake check UPS scam plays out. It targets victims through the mail, specifically through UPS. An official-looking envelope, oftentimes sent through UPS Next Day Air, will arrive addressed to you, containing a check made out to your name. Unless you were expecting a check, this is likely a scam tactic to get you to cash a fraudulent check. If you were to cash that check or deposit it into any of your accounts, you'd likely see it either bounce or, even worse, the amount of money removed your account. The scammer will send a follow-up mailer saying that you were accidentally overpaid and a portion needs to be sent back. The victim is still happy to receive a $12,000 check for example, gladly mails back a check for $3,000, thinking they are netting $9,000 out of thin air. It's a trap, and the only good check is the one you sent back to the crook before realizing that their original generous check is not good. Scammers typically use stolen bank account information to send these fake checks, and their hope is that you deposit it before learning the money doesn't exist. Red flags to watch out for: 1. Receiving a check out of nowhere If you receive a check from anyone you weren't expecting one from, you should automatically be very hesitant about it. There are some cases where you may even be expecting a check, but you should still watch out for some red flags. 2. Check is for a higher amount than promised Even if you're expecting a check from an employer or company, if the amount written on the check is for a higher number than promised, this is a major red flag. Don't assume you're in a game of Monopoly and there was a bank error in your favor — even if you were told to just "keep the extra." 3. Look carefully at who sent the check and through which bank This may seem obvious, yet you'd be surprised how many people skim over this information. Checking who signed and sent the check and through what institution can sometimes help you easily determine that it's a fake. It is possible to become a victim of this scam entirely randomly. However, scammers usually gather your information from other methods where you don't realize you are walking into a trap. Common ways scammers will collect your information: 1. Job posting Scammers often post job listings for "work from home" positions where you'll sign up for a position like an online mystery shopper, a return shipment processor, or someone on payroll. 2. Online auction or sale If you're selling anything online, this is a big way a scammer will get your information. 3. People search sites People search sites get their information from public records like court documents and voter registration forms. Taking control: removing your information from data brokers While this may seem worrisome, there is something you can do about it. You can request that data brokers remove your information. Invest in removal service While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. What to do if you receive a check in the mail 1. Do not deposit it Be sure you don't learn the hard way if it's real by depositing it into your account or cashing it. 2. Report it If you received a fake check through UPS, you can send an example of it to them at fraud@ups.com. Also, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you receive a check through USPS, you can report it to the United States Postal Inspection Service by visiting https://www.uspis.gov/report. If you happen to receive an unsolicited check inside a UPS envelope — it's 99.9% sure to be a scam. Keep an eye out for red flags, such as receiving a check unexpectedly or a larger amount than expected. Fraudsters often obtain personal or financial details through job postings, online sales, or auctions, so refrain from disclosing any sensitive information. If you suspect that you have been sent a counterfeit check, notify the appropriate authorities and avoid depositing it at all costs. Remember, staying vigilant and informed is crucial in protecting yourself from potential scams and ensuring your financial security. Have you ever received an unexpected check or payment in the mail? How did you handle it? Let me know in the comments below. Have you ever received an unexpected check or payment in the mail? How did you handle it? Let me know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. For more of my scam & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.