HORRY COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – We’ve all heard the warnings about keeping your information safe during the holidays while you shop online or visit stores, but one new scam reported by the Better Business Bureau puts the con artist at your front door holding a gift.
A recent release from the BBB warns neighbors to be on the lookout for scammers posing as delivery men asking you to verify you are the recipient of the gift. You’ll receive a phone call from a phony delivery company letting you know a package is on its way. A short time later, reports the BBB, a delivery person appears at your door with a gift basket.
In one version of the scam, the basket contains a bottle of wine and the “delivery man” will ask you to scan your debit or credit card on a hand held card scanner to pay a normal verification fee and to confirm you are of legal drinking age. The scam artist then collects your card number in the scanning device and can rack up several fraudulent charges using the information before you think to double check your account.
The Better Business Bureau gives tips on how to avoid a delivery scam:
- Be suspicious of a package from an unrecognized delivery service or source.
- Do not give your credit or debit card to someone at your door. Unless you’re expecting a delivery that you know you will need to pay for, do not give your credit card information to any delivery person.
- A delivery person may occasionally ask for ID, but not a credit card.
