Delivery Scam: Find out what it is and how to avoid falling into this trap

The Delivery Scam has already claimed thousands of victims in Brazil's major cities. Read the article to learn more!

What is a delivery scam?

Imagine, you place your order for your snack through the app and when the delivery person arrives, he alerts you that there was an accident or you receive a call from the restaurant informing you that the delivery person had an accident and that another one will take his place.

So far, so good, right? After all, it's a common occurrence in the motorcycle courier profession.

However, when it comes time to enter the amount into the machine, you can't see practically anything because the display is cracked or has some kind of defect that obstructs your vision.

You trust the delivery person to enter the correct amount and proceed with the transaction to make the payment by credit or debit card.

When you get home and check the receipt in Claro, you realize that a much higher amount was charged to your card, in this case, you have just fallen into delivery scam.

There's another variant of this scam that's also claiming many victims. In this scenario, the delivery person asks you to illuminate the machine while you enter your PIN to make it easier to see, since it's dark.

However, at that moment, he has his cell phone camera turned on and can record your card details and password.

Unfortunately, these two criminal practices have already claimed many victims; according to data from Procon of São Paulo, in June 2020, at the height of the pandemic, more than R$1,400,000 were unduly debited from consumers of these applications.

Therefore, it is very important to always be aware of this issue. See below for some tips to avoid falling into this trap.

1. Make payments online

Most fast food apps give their customers the option to register their credit and debit cards in the app in order to make online payments.

Furthermore, it is now possible to make payments via Pix in some of them, for example, IfoodIf you are unable to complete any of these payment methods, pay the delivery person in cash.

Therefore, if possible, make your payments directly in the app, this way you will avoid falling into the trap. delivery scam.

2. Do not complete payments without viewing the amount

Never. Under no circumstances make payments using damaged card machines where you cannot see the amount entered by the delivery person.

Also, check your note as soon as he gives it to you and keep it.

3. Go to a well-lit place

When entering your password, go to a brighter area or use your cell phone's flashlight to illuminate your screen.

Even if it appears to be just a kind gesture from the delivery person, don't let them shine a light on the machine while you enter your PIN. Politely decline and use your phone's flashlight.

Make sure your password is entered in the correct field. Otherwise, it shouldn't be visible on the device's screen; it should only appear as asterisks. Pay attention to this detail as well.

4. Do not provide personal or card information over the phone.

If someone sends you a message or calls you claiming to be a restaurant employee and asks you to confirm some personal or credit card information, don't listen.

It is very common for restaurants to call to confirm the order or even the address, but if they ask for personal information such as documentation, mother's name, passwords, etc., do not provide it, you may be about to fall into the trap. delivery scam.

5. Extra charge

Do not pay any amount that was not specified in the app, for example, delivery fee.

Any additions beyond the price of the food must be reported in the app and before you finalize your order, therefore, payment must also be made on the same invoice.

Even if someone from the restaurant calls you and tells you that the delivery person will charge you for this, don't accept paying. If they insist, say that you will contact the restaurant through the app to resolve the issue.

Scammers often use this tactic to pull off this scam.

6. Delivery person very different from the app photo

This is another simple detail that can help you avoid this trap. If the delivery person's photo is in the app for easy identification, but a completely different person shows up at your house, don't pay until you're sure it's the same person.

If in doubt, contact the restaurant to find out if they sent another delivery person and forgot to notify you.

As you can see, the most effective way to avoid falling into delivery scam is making the payment online, directly in the application.

Now, see below what to do if you fall for this scam.

I fell for the delivery scam, what now?

If you realize you've fallen for this scam, the first step is to immediately call your card provider and report what happened.

Ask the attendant which company received the amount entered into the machine. They are certainly responsible for the delivery person and their registration, and also where your money is.

Now, the next step is to contact the company and inform them of what happened so they can block the amount in the scammer delivery person's account.

The last step is to go to the nearest police station and file a police report. This report must be sent to the company so that it can reimburse the amounts unduly debited by the scammer.

If the company fails to cooperate and resolve the situation, you will need to send the police report with the receipt to the bank that manages your card and request the cancellation of the purchase and a refund.

Conclusion

It is important to be careful not to fall into any delivery scam, If you happen to fall, take the necessary measures immediately to avoid further headaches.

So, did you enjoy learning the tips to avoid falling into this trap? Don't forget to share it so more people don't fall into it too.

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Nara

Writer and aspiring Virtual Assistant. Passionate about the Digital Financial Market and its various aspects. Certified by Rock Content and HubSpot. ANBIMA student.

March 28, 2022