In Greece, a prevalent scam has emerged where individuals receive text messages from what appears to be a courier company, informing them that their package was not delivered. These messages often lead to a link prompting the recipient to confirm details or pay a small fee. The timing of these messages is particularly effective, especially for those who are expecting a delivery, which can lead to a higher likelihood of victimization as recipients might overlook red flags in the urgency of the moment.

Once recipients click the link, they are directed to a website that closely mimics that of a legitimate courier company. The scam attempts to collect sensitive information, including credit card details. Additionally, in some cases, malicious software is installed on the devices of those who fall prey to the scam, further compromising their security. This surge in scams can be attributed to the increased volume of online shopping and the frequency of package deliveries, making consumers more susceptible to such deceitful tactics.

The effectiveness of this scam is heightened by several factors: the rising trend of online shopping has resulted in a significant increase in delivery expectations among consumers, and even those who have not recently ordered anything may think they’ve forgotten a minor purchase. The low fee mentioned (typically between 1-3 euros) makes the request seem innocuous, lowering the defenses of the recipients. As the scam continues to proliferate, authorities and consumer protection groups are urged to spread awareness and provide guidance on how to recognize and avoid such threats.