After some residents withdrew funds accumulated in pension schemes, consumption in the country noticeably increased – people began ordering goods online more actively than usual. As a result, the risk of falling into scammers’ traps has also risen. In April alone, Lithuanian police officially recorded 15 fraud cases in which residents lost more than €570,000.
To illegally obtain people’s money, scammers use a wide range of methods and techniques: phone calls, fake emails, and SMS messages. Messages about shipments being sent or delivered are no exception.
As e-commerce continues to grow both in Lithuania and globally, the number of deliveries is also increasing. Vaidotas Kirkickas, Operations manager at SmartPosti, notes that the more this process becomes part of everyday life, the more often scammers try to exploit it. So how can you distinguish real information from fraud and shop online and receive your parcels safely?
Fake messages and fraudulent websites
One of the most common schemes is an SMS or email claiming that delivery of a parcel failed or that the address needs to be updated. The message includes a link leading to a fake website created by scammers, designed to visually resemble the official website of a delivery company.
“Such websites may ask you to enter your bank card details or login information. Sometimes they request a small administrative fee. It’s important to understand that trustworthy companies do not ask for sensitive data over the phone or through random links,” emphasizes the SmartPosti representative.
According to Kirkickas, it is essential to pay attention to the sender’s address – even if the message looks well-written and error-free, the email domain may reveal it as a fake. If there is even the slightest doubt, it is recommended to verify the information independently by entering the official website address in your browser instead of clicking on the provided link.
Another warning sign: urgency
Another tactic widely used by criminals is pressuring people to act immediately. While this method is most common in banking fraud – where people are threatened that their account will be blocked or money transferred if they do not act – it is also quite effective when someone is expecting a parcel.
“They claim that if you don’t take action right away, the parcel will be returned to the sender or destroyed. In such cases, remember that delivery companies do not scare their customers or issue ultimatums. If you are being pressured to provide missing data or make a payment ‘immediately,’ this is a serious sign that you are dealing with a criminal,” says Kirkickas.
He reminds that all SmartPosti payments are made only through secure and clearly identifiable links, and customers are not asked to provide excessive data.
“Neither banks nor delivery companies ask you to disclose login details, PIN codes, bank card information, or personal data. It is understandable that when someone is waiting for a parcel, such messages may seem less suspicious. However, it is crucial to stay alert – this can help avoid significant financial losses,” he adds.
Safety starts before the purchase
According to the SmartPosti operations manager, caution should begin when choosing an online store.
“First of all, check whether the seller’s website clearly provides company details, contact information, and return policies. If such information is scarce or missing, and the price seems unbelievably low, that should raise suspicion. Scammers often lure people with very attractive offers, hoping they won’t look into the details,” says Kirkickas.
The expert also recommends using only secure payment methods and additional protection measures such as two-factor authentication.
“Even simple actions like using different passwords for different accounts or regularly updating antivirus software can protect you from major financial losses,” he emphasizes.
He also reminds people to remain vigilant even after placing an order – track your parcel only through official channels, and if you have questions or doubts, contact the official customer service center rather than responding to suspicious messages.
“Fraud is rarely technically complex – it is usually based on psychology and impulsive behavior. If a person does not rush, verifies information, and maintains critical thinking, most risks simply disappear,” concludes SmartPosti’s Operations manager, V. Kirkickas.