Although delivery services bring more convenience to daily life, scams and data leaks have left users concerned. Reports of security breaches in apps, duplicate payments, and fake tracking links have drawn attention; but none of this means you should abandon orders. As long as proper precautions are taken, you can enjoy this comfort with peace of mind.
“Understanding the main risks is essential to maintaining an active stance. So, following simple measures, such as avoiding conversations with the establishment outside official channels and periodically updating payment information, can make all the difference in preventing losses,” comments Vinícius Valle, Marketing Coordinator at Gaudium, a company specializing in mobility and delivery technology.
With this in mind, Valle shares some information to protect yourself from scams, whether on the most popular apps or when placing orders directly with restaurants. Check it out:
Data leaks
Delivery apps store sensitive information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and payment data, making them frequent targets for cyberattacks. Therefore, users should adopt security measures, with the main one being the creation of strong and unique passwords for each service.
Additionally, avoiding storing sensitive information directly in the apps and opting for more secure payment methods, such as virtual cards or systems with multifactor authentication, reduces the risks of data exposure and theft.
Fake tracking links
Scammers may send fraudulent messages in parallel conversations via SMS or WhatsApp to deceive users and direct them to malicious websites with the aim of stealing personal data. These messages, often mimicking order notifications or offers, contain links that lead to fake pages where criminals attempt to obtain passwords and banking information.
Vinícius warns that delivery apps usually do not send links via message. “To ensure security, it is recommended that consumers track their orders exclusively through official apps or company websites, avoiding clicking on links received in unsolicited messages,” he says.
Unauthorized charges
Another common scam involves unauthorized extra charges. In this case, malicious delivery drivers request additional payments under various pretexts, such as unexpected fees, order adjustments, or issues with app payments.
To avoid fraud, users should never make transfers or extra payments without first confirming the legitimacy of the request directly with the platform’s support. “This verification can be done through the app’s official channels, such as chat, phone, or email, ensuring that any charged amount is correct and authorized. Applying this security measure ensures a more reliable experience when using the service,” concludes Vinícius Valle.
