How package fraud works
The scammer places an order online using a false name and gives your address as the delivery address. During the ordering process, the scammer opts to pay later. The scammer monitors the shipment of the package closely after placing the order. As soon as the scammer sees online that the package has been delivered to you, they come to your door.
A mistake or a scam?
The person who comes to collect the package from your home says they accidentally gave the incorrect house number. Of course, mistakes do happen. You therefore unsuspectingly give the package to this person. Because the package was received at your address, you are later sent an invoice and payment reminder(s). Meanwhile, you never ordered anything and no longer have the package either.
Do not accept unknown packages
If a delivery person arrives at your door to deliver a package despite you not having placed an order, first check the name and address on the package before you accept it. Does the address correspond with your home address, but is the name on the package not yours? Then refuse the delivery! Tell the delivery person it is not your package and you do not recognise the name.
Accepted the package anyway? Do not just hand it over!
Have you accepted a package not intended for you anyway, or was it left in your letterbox or outside your door? And has someone come to your door claiming the package is for them? Then do not just hand it over. Contact the webshop and ask how you can return this package.
Unjustified payment reminders
If you have unsuspectingly given the package to the scammer, there is a chance you will receive an invoice and payment reminders for the purchase afterwards. In that case, contact the webshop and inform them your address has been misused. The webshop cannot compel you to pay for the package if it cannot prove you are the person who placed the order. Report it to the police too. You can do this online.
