This Scam has been reported to me by some concerned citizens. Even though this has NOT happened in the United States, it is a good story and something for everyone to think about. In Canada and Australia a thief used credit card information gained during the delivery of flowers and wine to go on a spending spree.
I just would like to warn every one of this clever scam and how it works.
A couple receives a phone call at their home from a company called “Express Couriers” although it could be called just about any name. The person asked if the couple was going to be home for a delivery and the delivery would be made within an hour. The couple was not expecting anything and when the “delivery man” arrived he had a big basket of flowers and some very expensive wine. The couple was very surprised yet there was no card or return address on the large package. There was however a consignment note on the gift.
The driver explained that because the gift contained alcohol he had to charge the recipient $3.50 as “proof” that he was delivering to an adult and not left on a doorstep or given to a minor. This seemed logical and the couple offered cash however the driver stated that it had to be a credit or debit card as the delivery company required payment to be by EFPOS (short for Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) this was so the driver did not handle cash and everything was properly accounted for. The explanation seemed reasonable and the driver was extremely nice and the couple really wanted to keep the wine and flowers.
The couple then got their credit card and “swiped it” on the driver’s handheld machine. There was a small screen and the driver had them enter their PIN number without him looking. A receipt was then printed out and handed to the couple with their wine and flowers.
Well as you can probably guess no other contact was made to the couple until Monday morning when they found out from their bank that their credit card had been maxed out.
Just a quick story and version of an unsuspecting crime. So, PLEASE be suspicious of accepting any Surprise Gift or Package” in which you neither expected nor personally ordered, especially if it involves any kind of payment as a condition of receiving the gift or package. Let’s also never accept anything you have not ordered, or there is no proper identification of the sender or delivery agent.
Above all, the only time you should give out any personal credit/debit card information is when you yourself initiated the purchase or transaction! NEVER SWIPE YOUR CREDIT CARD ON ANY MACHINE UNLESS THE FIRM or PERSON IS KNOWN TO YOU.
REMEMBER SCAMS CAN COME IN ANY SIZE PACKAGES
Stay Alert - Be Vigilant -- Stay Safe!!
As always if you feel that you have been scammed or someone is attempting to cheat you please contact Sgt. Chris Yagelski 873-1461 ext. #333 or email ASKACOP@Emichigancity.com