What are Shipping Scams?
A shipping scam is a form of fraudulent activity where the scammer tricks a victim into paying for goods or services that do not exist. The scammer typically acts as a shipping or logistics company, asking for payment for receiving a package or offering to move items that are of high value or require discretion.
They then ask for payment via Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, citing reasons such as speed, security, or international transaction convenience.
After the payment is made, the scammer will either ask for additional payments or disappear completely, leaving the buyer without their money or the promised item.
How Shipping Scams Operate:
Shipping scammers generally follow one of two consistent patterns:
First Pattern – Offering a Service:
Setting the trap: Scammers will advertise high-demand services such as secure storage, international courier delivery, or customs clearance.
Engaging the victim: Once the victim shows interest, the scammer communicates professionally, often via email or messaging apps, and may even create a fake website with shipment tracking updates that appear legitimate.
Requesting payment: The scammer then requests payment in Bitcoin, often instructing the victim to use a cryptocurrency ATM, citing reasons like privacy, fast settlement, or cross-border transaction limits.
The scam: Once the Bitcoin payment is made, the scammer either disappears or continues requesting additional payments.
Because Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, it is almost impossible for the victim to recover their funds.
Second Pattern – Receiving a Shipment:
Setting the trap: Scammers contact the victim claiming that they or someone they know is expecting a shipment, often using the name of a legitimate courier such as Poczta Polska, InPost, DPD, DHL, or FedEx.
Building their story: They provide tracking numbers, fake invoices, and realistic details (addresses, contact names, or shipment contents) to make the story believable.
Requesting payment: The scammer then requests payment in Bitcoin, typically via a cryptocurrency ATM, citing reasons like customs duties, taxes, or urgent release of the parcel.
The scam: After receiving the Bitcoin payment, the scammer disappears.
Since Bitcoin transactions cannot be reversed, recovering lost funds is virtually impossible.
Prevention: Stay Alert
Preventing shipping scams requires awareness and vigilance:
Be skeptical: If a shipment is repeatedly delayed due to “customs,” “tax,” or “international routing” issues, or if the sender threatens to cancel or destroy your package unless you pay urgently in cryptocurrency, it’s a red flag of fraud.
Research the seller: Always search for information about the company or seller online.
If the company name, reviews, or contact information cannot be verified—or if the website looks newly created—be cautious.
Some scammers impersonate legitimate companies; confirm that the real company provides those same services and whether they accept cryptocurrency payments (most do not).
Confirm with the company: If contacted by someone claiming to represent Poczta Polska, InPost, DPD, DHL, or FedEx, independently reach out to the courier’s official customer support via their website to verify if the shipment exists.
Use trusted payment processors: Remember that Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, and once funds are sent, they cannot be recovered. Reputable logistics companies never request payment in Bitcoin for goods or services.
Use secure and trusted platforms: When purchasing goods online, use platforms that offer buyer protection. These services hold your payment until the item is delivered and verified by you.
If You Are a Victim of a Scam:
See our guide on what to do if you are the victim of a scam / fraud.