Beware of Unsolicited Cash-on-Delivery Packages: A Warning from Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture has issued an important consumer alert, urging residents to exercise extreme caution regarding unsolicited packages arriving via cash-on-delivery. The warning, published on August 19, 2025, with the title “No.1010 代引きで届く荷物に注意！（R7.8.19）” (Attention to cash-on-delivery packages! (R7.8.19)), highlights a growing trend of scams where consumers are sent items they did not order and are then pressured to pay for them upon delivery.
This deceptive practice, often referred to as “grandchild scams” or similar variations, targets individuals, particularly the elderly, by sending unexpected goods with a cash-on-delivery request. The goods themselves may be of little value or entirely unwanted by the recipient. The scam relies on the assumption that the recipient, due to confusion, politeness, or a mistaken belief that they actually ordered the item, will pay for the delivery.
Key Risks and Tactics:
- Unordered Goods: Consumers receive items they have not purchased from companies they have no business relationship with.
- Cash-on-Delivery Requirement: The delivery driver will insist on immediate payment, leaving the recipient with little opportunity to inspect the contents or refuse the package.
- Exploitation of Trust: Scammers often prey on the kindness and good intentions of individuals, hoping they will feel obligated to pay.
- Financial Loss: Recipients are out of pocket for goods they never wanted and likely cannot use.
- Data Misuse: In some cases, the practice might be linked to identity theft or the misuse of personal information.
What Tokushima Prefecture Advises Consumers to Do:
Tokushima Prefecture strongly advises all residents to follow these guidelines to protect themselves from such fraudulent schemes:
- Do Not Accept Unsolicited Packages: If you receive a package via cash-on-delivery that you did not order, you are generally not obligated to accept or pay for it.
- Verify the Sender: Before accepting any package, especially if it’s cash-on-delivery, carefully check the sender’s name and address. If it’s unfamiliar or suspicious, it’s best to decline.
- Contact the Delivery Company: If you are unsure about a package or suspect a scam, contact the delivery company directly before the driver leaves. They may have procedures in place for handling such situations.
- Seek Advice: If you are concerned or have already fallen victim to such a scam, do not hesitate to contact your local consumer affairs center or the police for advice and assistance. Tokushima Prefecture’s consumer consultation services are available to help.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Be aware of these scams and share this information with family members, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
This proactive warning from Tokushima Prefecture serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to remain vigilant in an era where online shopping and delivery services are prevalent. By staying informed and following these simple precautions, residents can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a victim of these deceptive practices.
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The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
徳島県 published ‘No.1010 代引きで届く荷物に注意！（R7.8.19）’ at 2025-08-19 06:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.