For years now, some consumers have been getting text messages stating that a major delivery carrier needs them to "update delivery preferences" on a package by clicking a link. The problem? The texts are scams, and the links result in the theft of personal information, money, or both.

Most consumers love the convenience of making purchases online and having them shipped straight to their doorstep. But with millions of packages delivered each year, con artists and thieves have developed many ways to steal from shoppers. Fortunately, there are also many ways to protect yourself from their shady tactics.

Popular delivery scams

Delivery scams and theft are particularly prevalent during the holidays when more packages are shipped, but they can happen year-round. Scammers are hoping shoppers are busy or distracted and will act without thinking. 

The first scams to look out for are phishing texts or emails that pose as official notices from delivery companies. These either contain a "tracking link," a message that the shipper is having difficulty delivering a package to you, or a link to update delivery preferences. Clicking the link either takes you to a form that asks for personally identifying information or to a site that downloads malware onto your computer.

Another delivery scam involves fake "missed delivery" tags. Scammers place a note on your door that claims they are having challenges delivering a package to you. They ask you to call a phone number to reschedule your delivery, but it's a ruse to get your personal information.

A different delivery scam includes a text stating, "The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please confirm your address in the link: [url] (Please reply to 1, then exit the SMS, open the SMS activation link again, or copy the link to a Safari browser and open it). The US Postal team wishes you a wonderful day."

A scam report submitted to BBB Scam Tracker outlines how the person lost $180: "They are a supposed shipping company. They stated that my package was on hold at the airport and asked me to zelle money then again something happened and I had to zelle money again."

Another package delivery report to BBB Scam Tracker reads, "Received a fake text claiming it was UPS about a package delivery. The text said: [UPS] Tracking Number...Our driver can't find your address, and your package is still pending. And our driver will redeliver tomorrow. Please provide your complete address at [URL} to schedule redelivery."

Other delivery-related issues shoppers face involve package theft. Many consumers have had their packages stolen before they arrive home from work. Thieves snatch packages from doorsteps or lobbies of apartment or condo complexes. Criminals even follow delivery and postal trucks. When the truck leaves, the crooks move in and grab the parcels.

How to avoid delivery scams:

1. Take precautions to ensure a safe delivery: If you have a valuable or fragile item delivered to your home, purchase shipping insurance. In addition, always get tracking numbers for your purchases and check the shipping progress periodically.
2. Watch out for texts, calls, or emails about a missed delivery. Legitimate delivery services usually leave a "missed delivery" notice on your door. If you receive a missed delivery notice, examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic, and only then follow their instructions. Keep track of what you've ordered to better understand what is coming and when. Don't click on links; go to the delivery carrier's website directly or log in and use the retailer's tracking tools. 
3. Request a signature when ordering: Chances are this feature may come with a price tag, but it may be worth the extra fee, depending on the level of package theft in your area. Requesting a signature means that a delivery service won't be able to drop a package on your doorstep unless someone is around to sign for it.
4. Don't leave packages sitting on your doorstep. Packages left sitting outside are particularly vulnerable to theft. To ensure safe delivery, have your package delivered to your workplace or a trusted friend or neighbor who will be home to accept delivery. Some delivery companies now have lockers where your packages can securely wait for you to pick them up using a one-time code to open the locker.  
5. Open your delivery upon receipt to check for damage or signs of tampering. Contact the seller immediately if you believe something is wrong with the shipment or it's not what you ordered. Also, review the seller's return policy for damaged or unwanted items.