As the most intense shopping days of the year approach – Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other holiday sales – people are feeling pressure not only from the surge in parcel shipments but also from the increased activity of scammers. How can you shop safely and avoid unpleasant online-shopping experiences that might spoil the upcoming festive season?
Parcel delivery companies are also witnessing early holiday preparations, increased gift purchases and growing parcel volumes ahead of Black Friday. For example, the parcel flow within the SmartPosti network has already nearly doubled. The company’s Head of Operations, Vaidotas Kirkickas, is certain that this number will rise even further as Christmas approaches.
According to Kirkickas, when parcel volumes increase, so do the attempts to scam customers – criminals take advantage of people’s distraction, reduced vigilance and general organisational chaos.
More frequent fraud attempts during major sales
“During Black Friday and major sale periods, people send and expect more parcels, making them more receptive to any message about a delivery. Scammers know this and actively exploit it,” says V. Kirkickas.
One of the most popular schemes, he explains, involves fraudulent SMS messages – for example: “Your parcel cannot be delivered – please confirm your address.” After clicking the link, the victim is taken to a fake website where they are asked to enter their personal details or pay a supposed “delivery fee”.
“Another widespread tactic is fake emails containing forged tracking numbers and links to fraudulent websites. These messages look authentic: they use real company logos, imitate official email styles and contain no grammatical errors. By clicking the link, people risk ‘gifting’ their personal data to scammers and losing money,” Kirkickas notes.
The SmartPosti Head of Operations emphasises that the most important rule is to stay cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links or entering personal or card details if you are not absolutely sure about the sender.
“Always remember that neither the police, nor banks, nor – especially – private companies will ever ask for sensitive personal information over the phone or by email. All SmartPosti parcel payments are made through a secure payment link sent by email or SMS together with the tracking number, and customers are never asked to pay additional customs, administrative fees or charges for repeated or failed deliveries,” Kirkickas stresses.
Patience and vigilance – the best companions for Black Friday
To avoid both scammers and delayed parcels spoiling the shopping mood during major sales, the SmartPosti representative also advises planning purchases and gifts in advance, without leaving them to the last minute, and choosing only reliable online-shopping platforms.
“Considering that couriers are extremely busy during Black Friday and Christmas sales, you may want to opt for parcel lockers. And once your parcel arrives, don’t delay picking it up – this ensures that others waiting for their gifts can receive them on time too,” adds Kirkickas.
The upcoming holiday season and sales are a joyful – but often chaotic – time. However, with proper planning and by keeping in mind the key rules of online safety, it becomes much easier to avoid stress and unpleasant surprises.