ADVISORY: CPD Warns Residents about Potential UPS Scam

On January 30, a Cambridge businessman reported receiving a telephone call from an unknown male who represented himself as working for UPS.

The unknown male had a foreign accent and stated that he needed to collect $200 before a package could be delivered.

This male also said he would come to the businessman’s home to collect the money in advance.

The intended victim, realizing this request seemed abnormal, asked several questions of the caller who soon became agitated.  The victim hung up without providing the caller with any additional information or agreeing to pay any fees.

Cambridge Police have not received any similar reports, but the Cambridge Consumers’ Commission shared the following warning from UPS:

“UPS is warning its customers about a phone scam - an important reminder that if you get a call from someone claiming to be UPS, make sure it's the real deal.

UPS says a legitimate employee caller will always provide you with a tracking number, which you can verify on their website or by calling them directly.

UPS stresses it will never ask customers to pay any money up front for items ordered online. The company is aware crooks are using other methods to possibly get your money and personal information by using its good name. They've posted the phony methods on their website UPS.com -- just type in fraud in the search box.”

If residents experience this type of activity they are encouraged to report it to the Cambridge Police Department immediately by calling 617-349-3300.