Shocking New Fraud Scam Terrorizes Retailers, Customers Cash In!

On most online shopping platforms like eBay, Etsy, Amazon, and brand-specific websites, customer protection is almost always guaranteed. There are instances when an item may arrive damaged, or not delivered correctly or on time. Fortunately, in some cases, customers can request a refund or return. However, this system is sometimes exploited by dishonest customers to the detriment of sellers and businesses.

These individuals are known as “delivery fraudsters,” and their numbers seem to be growing. They typically shop on a brand’s website or a marketplace like Amazon. After placing their order and selecting a delivery date, they deceitfully claim to the customer service that they never received the package, aiming to get a refund. As a result, they end up with both the product and their money back. Often, they succeed because couriers may not always ask for a signature upon delivery.

Sometimes, packages are simply left at the doorstep, accessible to anyone. This allows the customer to pretend the package was empty upon arrival. Others return the received package claiming it wasn’t what they ordered, and some even go as far as replacing the original item with a cheaper one. The director of Jonak brand noted instances of returns “filled with sand or pasta to simulate weight in an otherwise empty shipment.” “Since the beginning of the year, we’ve received over 2000 refund requests for packages allegedly never received, five times more than last year,” she revealed in a LinkedIn post.

It’s important to remember that these types of return fraud or delivery fraud are punishable by law. Customers who engage in such activities risk facing up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to 375,000 euros. However, in most cases, businesses are caught in a dilemma: should they trust the customer or the delivery service? In practice, implementing a unique and confidential QR Code system could help reduce the risk of fraud when handing over packages.