If you work in deliveries, you already know that not every drop-off goes smoothly. From customers claiming they never got their order to fake job offers and sketchy pickup requests, delivery scams are becoming more common every year. The good news is, you can protect yourself with some practical habits and a bit of street smarts.
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1. The “I Never Got It” Scam
One of the most frustrating delivery scams for drivers happens when someone says their package never arrived, even though you know it did. Sometimes it’s a genuine mistake, but sometimes it’s a deliberate lie to get a refund or a replacement.
To protect yourself:
- Always get proof of delivery. Take a clear photo of the parcel where you left it, with the door or house number visible.
- If your company’s app allows it, mark the exact GPS location of the drop-off.
- If someone’s home, ask for a signature or confirmation in the app before leaving.
Good documentation is your best defense. Most companies will back you up if you can show solid proof that the package was delivered correctly.
2. Porch Pirates
You’re probably familiar with these thieves: people who follow delivery vans or drive around neighborhoods looking for unattended parcels. Porch pirates can grab a box within minutes of you leaving it.
To help reduce this risk:
- Don’t leave packages in obvious spots. If safe, tuck them out of direct view from the street.
- Follow any delivery notes carefully. Many customers specify where to leave parcels safely.
- Snap a quick photo as proof and upload it to the delivery platform right away.
You can’t control what happens after you leave, but you can make sure you’ve done everything right on your end.
3. Fake Delivery Pickup Scams
This one’s sneaky. Some scammers try to trick drivers into handing over parcels before they’re delivered. They might show up at a drop-off point claiming to be the customer’s “friend” or even pretending to be another courier.
If someone asks you to hand over a package before confirming delivery:
- Always check their ID or the name on the delivery.
- If anything feels off, don’t release the package.
- Report it to your dispatcher or through the delivery app immediately.
Legit customers or staff will understand if you want to double-check. It’s better to be cautious than to lose your job over a scammer’s trick.
4. Fake Delivery Job Offers
There’s another type of delivery scam that targets drivers directly: fake job ads. You might see posts offering “easy money” for picking up or forwarding parcels. The catch? The packages are often stolen goods, and the scammers want to use your name and address to hide their tracks.
Here’s how to spot this scam:
- Real delivery companies will never ask you to use your home address for receiving or shipping items.
- Be suspicious of job offers that don’t require interviews or official contracts.
- Never share personal details like your ID or bank info through social media or messaging apps.
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Always research the company before accepting any gig.
5. Fake Returns
Drivers are also being targeted through fake return requests. Scammers might hand you a random parcel claiming it’s a return pickup, even though it wasn’t scheduled in your route.
To avoid this:
- Always check your delivery app before collecting a return.
- If it’s not in your list, don’t take it, even if the person insists.
- Report the incident immediately to your company.
A fake return can easily turn into a stolen item case, with your name attached.
Quick Tips to Stay Safe on the Job
Avoiding delivery scams doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple habits that help:
- Double-check names and addresses before handing anything over.
- Keep your phone charged and GPS tracking active during your shift.
- Follow company protocol every time, even if a customer is in a hurry.
- Stay polite but firm if someone pressures you to break rules.
A little caution goes a long way when it comes to protecting yourself and your job.
Conclusion
Drivers are the backbone of every delivery network, and scammers know it. By learning how delivery scams work, you can spot trouble before it happens and protect yourself, your customers, and your company. Keep records, trust your instincts, and don’t let anyone rush or intimidate you into bending the rules.
The world of deliveries can be fast-paced, but with the right awareness, you’ll stay safe, confident, and in control every step of the way.