Cash on Delivery (COD) has become one of the most popular payment methods for online shopping, offering customers the convenience of paying only upon receiving their orders.
However, as online shopping grows, scammers have found ways to exploit COD to deceive unsuspecting victims. A COD scam is a type of fraud in which scammers send unordered or misrepresented items and demand payment upon delivery. The goal is to trick customers into paying for items they never ordered.
How a Cash on Delivery Scam Works
Scammers create fake websites or post misleading ads on social media, pretending to be reputable online sellers. They use attractive deals to lure victims.
When victims show interest, they are directed to a fraudulent website where they unknowingly enter their shipping address and contact details.
Scammers use third-party courier services to send random or worthless items to the victim’s address.
The parcel is labelled with the victim’s real name and address, making it appear as a legitimate order. This pressures the victim or their family members into paying for it.
Once the package is opened, the recipient realizes that the item is either not what they ordered or completely worthless — but by then, the scammer has already taken the money.
Some fraudsters pose as delivery companies, sending random packages and demanding cash payments from unsuspecting recipients.
Scammers may include a QR code on the package, tricking victims into scanning it. This leads to a fake website where personal details are collected for future fraud attempts.
Things to keep in mind:
Beware of unrealistic prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, the item you receive may not be what you expected, or it could be a scam.
If you receive a package you didn’t order, do not accept it. Inform the delivery person that you did not make the purchase and ask them to return it to the sender.
If someone else is collecting a COD parcel for you, ensure they know what to expect. Provide them with details such as the item description, delivery date, and payment amount.
Always review the item description and delivery details. If something seems off, refuse the package.
Regularly monitor your online orders and expected deliveries to identify any suspicious COD shipments.
Stay informed about the latest scam tactics — awareness is your best defense.
Rest assured that CelcomDigi is actively taking measures to ensure our customers do not fall prey to such scams.