Amazon Flipkart Delivery Box Scam: What Is It and How These Boxes Can Empty Your Bank Account, Tips to Stay Protected

In today’s digital era, online shopping has become second nature for millions of Indians. Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have revolutionized retail by delivering products right to our doorsteps. But this convenience has a hidden threat—the Delivery Box Scam—a growing menace that could cost you your hard-earned money.

What Is the Delivery Box Scam?

When you receive a package from Amazon or Flipkart, it comes in a cardboard box with a label attached. Most people discard the box without giving it a second thought. But here’s where the danger lies—those boxes carry sensitive personal information that scammers are using to con unsuspecting buyers.

Each delivery label can include:

• Your full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Details of the item ordered

This information is a goldmine for cybercriminals. Once you throw the box away, scammers may recover it and use the data to contact you under the guise of a customer service representative.

How the Scam Works

Here’s how the Delivery Box Scam typically unfolds:

1. You buy a product on Amazon or Flipkart.
2. It’s delivered to your address with a label containing personal data.
3. You unbox your order and discard the box without removing or destroying the label.
4. Scammers collect the discarded box and extract your data.
5. They call you pretending to be from Amazon or Flipkart, offering a feedback survey with an extra 10% discount on your next order.
6. You receive a link as part of the “feedback process.”
7. Once you click it, malware is installed on your phone or computer, compromising your sensitive information, including banking credentials.

That’s it—your account could now be in the hands of fraudsters.

How to Stay Protected

To safeguard yourself against this scam, follow these essential steps:

• Destroy Personal Data: Before discarding a delivery box, scratch or black out the label using a permanent marker or knife. Consider using tools like an Identity Protection Roller Stamp to obscure your information completely.
• Avoid Suspicious Links: Never click on links sent by unknown numbers or emails, especially if they claim to be from e-commerce platforms and promise extra discounts.
• Verify Before You Trust: If you receive a call asking for feedback or personal details, hang up and contact Amazon or Flipkart directly through official channels.

The next time you receive a package, remember—that delivery box could be a data leak waiting to happen.