By Greg Fry

Delivery break-in scam prompts warning from Kamloops RCMP

Jun 21, 2018 | 2:57 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s a scam that’s been around for a few years and it reared its head again today in Kamloops.

Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says the con features a delivery company asking when residents will be home.

She says as part of the typical scam, the victim receives a call from someone claiming to be from a delivery company advising them of a pending package delivery.

It follows with the fraudster asking when the best day to deliver the package would be.

“The victims will typically say something such as, ‘This Monday is not good, I have to work and nobody will be here to receive the package.’ This is all the verification the caller needs. They now know when the best time would be to break into the victim’s home,” said Shelkie.

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Shelkie says this is not how delivery companies generally operate, noting they will usually leave a note on your door.

“If you get a phone call, hang up and call back the legitimate delivery company,” she adds.

Shelkie also notes not to trust your caller ID.

“Scammers are good at using phone apps to look like a legitimate company. Sometimes the scammers even have the name and address of someone in the residence. Even then, if you receive a phone call from a delivery company, check the facts.”

As for today’s attempt in Kamloops, Shelkie says the homeowners quickly wised up to the scammer’s intent.

“The person was asking if they’re home in the afternoons and it seemed suspicious to them. So, they didn’t give them any information, they called the delivery company and it was in fact a scam.”