What is the delivery box scam, and how scammers are using your parcel details against you

More and more internet users are now realising a digital threat that’s been right outside their doorsteps– literally. Thanks to the rise of short videos on platforms like Instagram, awareness around online safety is picking up pace. One such video by a content creator, @therajivmakhni, has caught the attention of users across India. In the clip, he explains how something as routine as carelessly throwing away an online delivery box could put you at risk of fraud.

While it may seem like a minor issue at first, the concern is quite real– and growing. With online shopping becoming a daily habit, many people don’t realise that personal details on parcel packages can be misused in ways that lead to serious trouble.

Every time you receive an online order, the package usually comes with a label that carries your personal details– your full name, address, phone number, and sometimes even your email. For a scammer, that’s more than enough to start building a profile on you.

What’s worrying is how easily this information ends up in the wrong hands. These labels often land in open dustbins, outside residential buildings, or even on roadside garbage heaps– right where fraudsters are now actively looking. Using this basic data, they reach out with fake messages, scam calls, and phishing attempts, making it easier to trick unsuspecting users.

This isn’t a high-tech hack– it’s social engineering. Instead of breaking into your accounts, scammers use real-world information to trick you. By posing as someone trustworthy– a delivery executive, a customer care representative, or even a job recruiter– they use the details from your discarded package to sound convincing.

And once you engage, the trap is set. You might end up sharing OTPs, clicking on fake links, or unknowingly downloading malicious apps, opening the door to fraud.

To stay safe, a few simple precautions can go a long way. Always remember to remove the shipping label before throwing away any delivery box– it contains important personal details that shouldn't fall into the wrong hands. Make sure to tear up the label or scribble over the information so it can’t be read.

Stay cautious when it comes to messages from unknown numbers. Avoid responding to unsolicited texts, emails, or WhatsApp messages– especially those that talk about deliveries, refunds, or job offers. Never click on links that seem suspicious, and when in doubt, verify the information through official sources. It’s also wise to limit how much personal information you share publicly on social media– review your profiles and keep your details as private as possible.

Cybersecurity often feels like a complicated issue, but the truth is, it’s the small everyday habits that can make the biggest difference. Something as basic as being careful while discarding a delivery package can go a long way in protecting your personal information.

The online conversation around this issue is a timely reminder: your personal data is valuable, and it doesn’t take much for someone to misuse it. The upside? A little caution is all it takes to stay one step ahead of potential scammers.