One simply couldn’t put an end to online shopping even if you tried. But as more Filipinos turn to this form of recreation (or necessity for others), it seems the more people see it as an opportunity to take advantage of innocent shoppers at home. Specifically, through the cash-on-delivery scam.
In this scam, a shopper receives an unknown package from an online delivery rider. The package will usually be worth at least a few thousand pesos, which the rider will insist you to pay upfront and in cash. It’s also likely to contain your name and basic contact details to make the delivery look more authentic.
Also read: How Far and How Much Can You Have Your Cargo Delivered in Luzon in 2021?
What usually happens
There could be countless cases of the cash-on-delivery scam in the Philippines. But one of the more notable ones was that of a netizen by the name of Jay Jazon on Facebook.
In his status update on 15 Mar 2021, Jazon shared his experience wherein he personally encountered one of these cash-on-delivery scammers. At around 2.30pm that day, he said that someone who claimed to be from a certain e-commerce platform arrived at his house with a parcel amounting to ₱3,499. It came in the company’s actual plastic wrap.
Except, it only contained his incomplete name and address details, unlike the usual parcel that also has the buyer’s contact number and barcode sticker. “I personally have multiple orders pending to be delivered, but I am always familiar with the amount, so then when he said ₱3,499, I’m like what? Not familiar,” Jazon shared.
Suspecting it was a cash-on-delivery scam, he immediately locked the door and informed his family. “My heart was racing by then kasi I’m familiar with the modus but I’m slightly uneasy na baka ‘yung scammer may PhD sa pagiging actual holdaper din kaya ayokong i-hand over pabalik yung parcel.”
Eventually, Jazon faced the rider once more and simply told him that he didn’t order the package. “He immediately replied ‘cancel na lang sir’ tapos he’s pretending to take a picture of me which is the protocol for online shopping so I took advantage and took a picture of him, too.”
Also read: Pinoy Online Shoppers Are Taking Their “Proof of Delivery” Photos to a New Level
Avoiding the cash-on-delivery scam
When the rider left, Jazon observed that he also didn’t have a motorbike of his own. It was only when he had walked some distance that he was able to get on one after he was picked up by another guy.
According to Jazon, the modus generally happens to households with several members who each have a history of ordering cash-on-delivery items. Because of the frequent deliveries, anyone from the house receives and pays for the items even if someone else from the house ordered them.
“Everyone in our family does online shopping and pays each other’s deliveries kahit na hindi na ini-inform sinong actual member of the family kasi sanay na kami whoever ang madatnan lang sa baba,” he added. This would make it easier for these scammers to exploit the non-ordering member and convince him or her to pay the balance.
To avoid scams when buying from online stores, it’s also a must to scan the package for inconsistencies from the usual parcels, especially if you’re receiving for someone else. These include searching for the barcode, name, and complete contact details. If possible, make it a habit to personally receive an item you ordered. If you know for sure that the parcel doesn’t belong to you or a household member, let the rider know.
Jazon ended his post by saying that he’s not generalising delivery riders. At the same time, he advised others to be wary of one’s or family’s online shopping behaviour which could make one the next target of the cash-on-delivery scam, or any other pandemic-related scams for that matter.
All images credited to Jay Jazon.
