FTC warns of new scams targeting food delivery drivers and restaurants

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers that fraudsters are impersonating delivery support services to defraud delivery drivers and restaurants.

According to the government consumer protection agency, scammers posing as support agents for food delivery services have been contacting restaurants and drivers from DoorDash and Uber Eats in an attempt to steal sensitive information.

In one scheme reported to the FTC, the scammers contact prospective victims and tell them they are sending a free tablet or printer to help manage food orders more easily.

“To do that, they say, they need to ‘verify’ your phone number, email and login, Social Security number and bank account to send the equipment.”

Other ruses consist of fraudsters contacting food delivery drivers to ask for their email address or bank account due to an issue with an order, or saying they want to refund them money from an allegedly cancelled order.

“After getting the driver or restaurant owner’s email, the scammer may ask for an email verification code...which you never want to share,” the FTC says.

The FTC recommends taking the following steps to avoid falling victim:

• Never give personal or financial information to someone who unexpectedly calls, texts or emails you.
• If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the request, contact the business directly by using the contact from the website or app you found yourself.
• Don’t share any email verification code with someone who contacted you out of the blue - sharing it makes it very easy for them to takeover accounts

Contact the police and FTC to report scams or suspicious activity

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