Nashville, TN – If you have an incarcerated family member or friend, sending a package is a way to show you care. But do your research beforehand. BBB Scam Tracker has gotten several reports of fake inmate care package services targeting people online. You find a website that offers to send care packages to inmates. The website looks professional and allows you to specify the prison or facility, as well as the inmate’s name. You add items to your cart and place your order.
However, when it’s time to make a payment, you may notice some strange instructions. Many fake care package sites claim they currently don’t or can’t take credit card payments. Instead, you’re asked to make a payment via a third-party app, such as PayPal, Zelle, or CashApp.
One victim told BBB that they spent more than $130 on a care package that didn’t exist: “I purchased a package for my fiancé whom is in prison… I used my cash app. It requested I send proof of purchase. Which I sent! I tried emailing the company several times about my purchase and they haven’t responded at all!”
How to spot these scams:
- Understand the laws around care packages. Prisons have strict rules about inmates can receive. Each item in the care package needs to be carefully selected to meet prison regulations. Be sure to check with the specific facility. Learn more about care package laws.
- Check website reviews from outside sources. Don’t rely on reviews found directly on the website. These are often made up by scammers. Instead, research companies on other websites, such as BBB.org. Look closely at customer reviews, with a watchful eye for complaints about unfulfilled services or refusal to refund money. If you can’t find any reviews, search the company or website name along with the words “scam” or “fake” and see if you come across any negative reports.
- Always use your credit card to pay. Be wary of any company that won’t allow you to use a credit card to pay. Once you send money through a third-party app, it can be much harder, if not impossible, to get your money back.
- Read the full article for more tips.
For More Information
See the BBB Tip: Smart Shopping Online for more ways to avoid scams when making online purchases. Also, learn how to spot a lookalike website.
If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Find more information about scams and how to avoid them at BBB.org/AvoidScams.
