Louisiana, Texas Scam Warning – FBI Says ‘Danger Being Delivered’

(KMDL-FM) Remember when it used to be safe to walk out to your mailbox or open your front door and retrieve a package? You never really had to stop and think, "Am I about to bring something hazardous into my home"? But that was then, and this is now.

Based on reports from Alexandria, Lafayette, and Lake Charles in Louisiana, as well as Waxahachie, Webster, and Waskom in Texas, going out to get the mail or retrieve a package might be the most dangerous thing you do today.

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To make matters worse, that "hazard" could be hiding in plain sight, and if you're not careful, you could wind up helping spread misfortune not only to yourself but to other friends and family members.

Which Scams Have Been Recently Uncovered in Louisiana and Texas?

The FBI is once again warning residents of Louisiana and Texas that the bad guys are on the prowl with yet another new tactic to "borrow" your sensitive information. You've heard about the unsolicited package scam, right?

That's where an unknown sender ships a package to you. The bogus shipper then writes a glowing fake review using your name. It helps to bolster their business and improve their standing as a trustworthy business partner. According to the FBI, if you get a lot of unsolicited packages, then chances are your identity has already been compromised. So, do get that checked out.

The latest twist on the unsolicited package scam involves a parcel that has no apparent return address or shipping information other than your address. The only other image on the package is a QR Code. The bad guys are hoping you'll scan that, and this will allow them to get beyond your IT security measures that way.

Often, the QR Codes request "verification" of information such as address or credit card details, or other financial information. This is where you need to remember that this package came to you unsolicited. So don't give up any of your details.

Get a Package You Didn't Order, And They Want You To Request a Refund?

Another variation on this scam involves the delivery of a package that you may have ordered from a legitimate business. That delivery is followed up a few days later with a "quality control" text. In that text, the "shipper" says the product they sent was below their quality standards, and they want to send you a full refund.

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The "hook" in this scam is that the "scammer" makes it clear they don't want you to send the package back; they just want to send you money. The scam plays upon our natural greed, so it's been quite successful. And while it might seem like a good thing, in the long run, it will be the worst text you ever returned sober.

The FBI warns that if you feel as though you've been targeted for scams but haven't fallen for them, it's still a good idea to remain cognizant and monitor your personal finances on a daily basis. You can always contact your bank or your financial institution for best practices to use in keeping your money safe.