NORWOOD — The Norwood Police Department is alerting residents to a surge in scams involving fraudulent delivery notifications that are targeting online shoppers during the holiday season.
As consumers flock to the internet to purchase gifts, scammers are sending fake text messages and emails claiming there are issues with package deliveries.
These messages may prompt recipients to confirm their address, pay a fee, or reschedule the delivery by clicking a link, entering personal information, or making a payment.
With the integration of Artificial Intelligence, criminals have enhanced their ability to craft convincing digital communications that mimic legitimate sources, leading to an uptick in scam incidents not only during the holidays but throughout the year.
The Norwood Police Department advises the public to scrutinize any delivery notification for typos, suspicious links, and to verify the source before responding.
It is recommended to check the order status directly with the retailer or contact the carrier directly if there is any doubt about a message’s authenticity.
Authorities remind citizens that legitimate organizations do not charge for package redelivery and will not request sensitive information via email or text.
Additionally, the police department warns against using online cryptocurrency or Bitcoin ATM payments for retail transactions, as these are not standard practices and often indicate fraudulent activity.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious delivery notifications to the Norwood Police Department.
