Courier scams are a growing tactic scammers use to trick people into believing there is fraud on their account and get access to your card. Find out how the scam works, the red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself.
These scams can sound official at first, which is what makes them so convincing. A scammer may pretend to be from a trusted organization – like a bank or credit card company – and say they need to collect your debit or credit card to “protect” your account. In reality, they’re trying to get your card so they can use it to get money out of your account.
In some cases, they may even tell you to cut the card in half first. But if the chip or magnetic strip is still intact, scammers may be able to tape the card back together and use it.
While it may seem surprising that someone would hand over a card, scammers are skilled at creating panic and making their instructions sound like official security procedures.
Arizona Financial members with select checking accounts have free access to identity protection services that offer credit monitoring, fraud reimbursement and dark web monitoring. Learn more.
How the scam works
The scam often starts with an unexpected phone call, text message or email from someone claiming there is a problem with your account. They may say your card has been compromised, fraudulent activity was detected, or your card needs to be replaced right away.
Often the scammers will call in the evenings or on weekends when the company's customer support department may be closed. That makes it more difficult to verify right away if there really is a problem with your account, and can add to the panic they are trying to create.
From there, the scammer may ask you to confirm personal information, share your PIN or cut up your card. Then they claim a courier, taxi driver or “bank representative” will come to your home to collect the card for security reasons.
Once the card is in their hands, the scammers may repair it, use the chip, or pair it with the PIN or account information they talked you into sharing. That can allow them to make purchases, withdraw cash or drain funds from your account.
Red flags to watch for
- The caller ID looks real. Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make a call look like it is coming from a trusted company or government agency.
- Someone says a courier will pick up your card. Your financial institution will not send a courier, taxi driver or stranger to your home to collect your debit or credit card.
- You are asked for your PIN. Banks, credit unions or other legitimate companies WILL NEVER ask you to share your PIN.
- The caller pressures you to act immediately. Scammers use fear and urgency to keep you from stopping to think or checking with someone you trust.
- The call comes during an evening or weekend. Scammers may contact you when official customer support lines are closed or harder to reach, making it more difficult to verify the situation quickly.
- You are told to keep it secret. A scammer may tell you not to contact your financial institution, family members or anyone else because it could “interfere with the investigation.”
How to protect yourself
- Never hand over your card. Do not give your debit or credit card to a courier, taxi driver, stranger or anyone who comes to your door unexpectedly.
- Never share your PIN. Treat your PIN like cash. Keep it private and never say it out loud to someone who contacts you.
- Hang up and call back. If you receive a suspicious call, end the conversation. Then contact your financial institution directly using a phone number you already trust, such as the number on the back of your card or on an official account statement.
- Do not click unexpected links. Avoid clicking links in texts or emails claiming there is a problem with your account. Go directly to your financial institution’s official website or app instead.
- Talk to someone you trust. If a message or phone call scares you, pause and ask a trusted friend, family member or financial institution representative before taking action.
What to do if you think you were targeted
If you shared your PIN, handed over your card or believe a scammer may have access to your account, contact your financial institution immediately. Ask them to block or replace the card, review recent transactions and help secure your account.
You can also report fraud or suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and report suspicious calls or spoofing concerns to the Federal Communications Commission.
If someone came to your home or you feel unsafe, contact local law enforcement.
Never give out your card or PIN
If someone asks to pick up your card, asks for your PIN, or tells you to move quickly and keep it secret, stop. Hang up, do not hand anything over and contact your financial institution directly.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify the situation can help protect your money, your account and your peace of mind.
