Experts warn to look out for shipping scams

(KVLY)
Published: Dec. 22, 2018 at 4:24 PM CST
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The Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) warns there are several scams that are especially popular around the holidays.

As many people wait for packages to arrive ahead of Christmas, Michelle Reinen, the director of the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection, said it is important to look out for

“Anyone waiting for that last package to be delivered should be very cautious of the shipping scam emails that you may receive,” Reinen said.

She said people can receive scam emails that look like they are from major shipping companies like UPS and FedEx.

“They have the same color schemes and photo graphics as well. They indicate that a package is awaiting delivery, but you need to do a verification, confirmation or the package could be return to sender or there would be a massive delay,” Reinen said.

She said if you pay attention, most of the emails have odd graphics, spelling and grammar errors and there is no detail of who is sending the package and what it is.

“Other ones that we see are gift cards and big coupon items, so these are social media, text message and email scams out there that encourage consumers to complete surveys to receive a gift card to a high-box store,” she said.

Reinen said there are not necessarily more scams during the holiday season, but people can be in more of a rush.

She said the scams all tie back to gathering your data and personal information, and if you get an email you suspect is a scam, just delete it.

Reinen said as we approach the New Year, to also also be aware of end-of-year scams, such as giving to fake charities. People can report scams to the