Officials continue to warn consumers to exercise caution this holiday shopping season, particularly a scam revolving around undelivered packages.
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office is warning consumers to be wary of emails or text messages about an undeliverable package.
With online shopping increasing around the holidays, scammers try to take advantage of consumers by sending fake, urgent emails or texts with a link to supposedly get your shipment or update shipping preferences.
Consumers are advised to never click on unsolicited links.
Instead, go directly to the website where you made your order and check the status of your shipment or contact the shipping company using a phone number or website you know is real. Do not rely on the information in the message.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808 or file a complaint online at www.ago.wv.gov.
The advice comes as part of the Attorney General’s Holiday Consumer Protection Week.
“Online shopping is convenient and brings many retailers to our fingertips,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said in a press release. “Scammers will try to take advantage of increased online commerce during the holiday season so consumers should be extra cautious if they receive notifications about an undeliverable package.”
Morrisey’s office said the undeliverable package scam surfaces throughout the year but is especially prevalent during the busy holiday season. No matter what time of year it is, consumers need to take precautions to protect their personal information.