Courier related fraud in ED

[matty]

Just had a courier come to my door with a mobile phone with my exact address, but addressed to Mr Mohammed [surname witheld].

The courier said that this is now a common fraud, and he has had 20 or so packages like this recently in ED.

Apparently, someone pays for the goods with a fake/compromised credit card online, tracks the progress of the package using a smart phone then waits outside the address they have used until the driver has delivered the package. Then they turn up at the door with a story about "just having moved to this street" and "used the wrong door nu". They then try and take the phone from you after spinning their lame little deceit and drive off. Meanwhile, a day or so later, you get stung with the bill for the item, having signed and accepted it.

Just thought it may be worth mentioning here.

I'll be letting the local Police know too.

[giggirl]

Yes this is really common. I had someone apply for a mobile phone contract in my name from O2 and O2 swore blind the phone was delivered to my address. It won't be stamped out until there is a code established whereby couriers don't hand over goods on the doorstep. The courier should refuse to give goods to anyone who isn't INSIDE the property. NO EXCEPTIONS. If someone is hanging around outside waiting for the delivery then it's FRAUD.

[felt-tip]

but that is what Matty says does happen. The fraudster just turns up later.

[DJKillaQueen]

I had UPS deliver a parcel to me last week. I hadn't ordered anything but signed for it and then called the sender, to find that it was meant for another address (so it was a genuine mistake, not fraud)- they emailed me the correct label and sent a courier to collect it - which is what any company will do if you are sent a parcel by mistake. So never hand anything you've signed for over to a stranger.

[giggirl]

OK I've re-read the OP's post and my fraud was slightly different. Someone applied for a new phone contract using my name and address. The phone is delivered and the fraudster hangs around OUTSIDE and when the courier arrives he says something like "I've locked myself out" or "you've just caught me on the way out". Anything to get the courier to hand over the package on the doorstep. It should be a code of practice that nothing gets handed over on the doorstep. The courier should only give something to someone who is INSIDE of the delivery property.

I am a fairly trusting person but where packages and couriers are concerned I'm very cautious and take nothing at face value. There are just so many fraudsters out there.