Discreet Shipping Scam. Is this really a thing?

[El Presidente]

 

https://www.krcu.org/2023-12-13/consumer-handbook-discreet-shipping-fees-scam

"What even is discreet shipping? Well, it depends on the scam. BBB Scam Tracker has gotten multiple reports from consumers who purchased diet pills, vaping products, ammunition, CBD edibles, or other similar products. Other times, scammers charge a “discreet shipping” fee when a shopper marks their online purchase as a gift. In another twist, scammers tell shoppers they must pay for “discreet package stamps” to prevent their packages from passing through customs.

One consumer explained the scam: “I purchased some cigars, and the company… gave me a website and tracking number. But then, I received messages from the shipping company wanting money (supposedly refundable) for insurance on the delivery. After that, they requested more money for a type of delivery the sender described as discreet. They won’t cancel the order, refund the money I paid, or deliver the package without getting more money from me.” Unfortunately for this shopper, the package and the cigars probably never existed in the first place.

Scammers usually ask for payment through a digital payment app such as Zelle or CashApp. If you use an app to pay, you probably won’t be able to recover your funds when you realize the business is a sham."

[Corylax18]

Yeah, that sounds like a legitimate scam to me. I cant speak for the other products, but I regularly order 500, 1000, 1500 rounds of ammunition online. The two websites I use most often offer "outer casing" or "discreet shipping" type options. When you order in that quantity, the ammo usually comes in boxes of 50 or 100 rounds, that are within a larger, more substantial box. However that box might get beat up in shipping, leading to some of the ammo getting damaged, someone might also see that box sitting on your porch before you can get to it and swipe it. (package/mail theft is real problem in the states) The additional, outer box adds an added layer of physical and visual protection. 

However, these retailers charge for the option up front and it hits your CC as part of the regular order. Charging this fee after the order is placed and insisting on Zelle or Cashapp both scream scam. 

[Nevrknow]

I have never seen damaged ammo. How bad? Like crushed and you wonder how it didn't go off?  Been lucky I guess.

[El Presidente]

4 hours ago, Nevrknow said:

I have never seen damaged ammo. How bad? Like crushed and you wonder how it didn't go off?  Been lucky I guess.

Ordering ammo online here will see your front door knocked in and you tasered/placed in handcuffs before you can utter "who is it?"  🙄