How the Track718.com Package Tracking Scam Fools Shoppers

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Ecommerce scams impersonating real shipping tracking services are on the rise. One prolific example is Track718.com – a fraudulent website deceiving online shoppers into believing purchased goods are shipped when in reality they never arrive. This article will uncover how this “tracking” scam works and provide tips to avoid falling victim.

track718.com scam

What is Track718.com?

Track718.com portrays itself as a package tracking and delivery confirmation service for orders placed through various ecommerce websites.

The site provides package tracking IDs to online shoppers who have purchased goods through third-party seller sites. Customers can then supposedly track the progress of their order in transit using the provided tracker from Track718.com.

However, Track718.com is not associated with any actual shipping companies. It is essentially a fake tracking service that provides bogus tracking information to deceive customers.

When shoppers visit Track718.com and enter their tracking number, the site will continually show the status of their order as “delivered” even when no package has actually arrived.

This false claim of successful delivery allows partner ecommerce scam websites to keep customers’ payments while avoiding responsibility for non-shipment of the ordered goods. Track718.com enables this scam by providing fake “proof” of delivery to dissatisfied shoppers.

In summary, Track718.com is a fraudulent tracking service that works with affiliate scam websites to trick customers and prevent refunds for undelivered orders through fabricated tracking updates. Shoppers should be wary of sites utilizing Track718.com or other dubious shipping trackers.

How the Track718.com Scam Operates?

Track718.com promotes itself as a package tracking and delivery service for items bought through partner ecommerce websites. Customers receive tracking numbers from Track718.com to monitor orders in transit.

However, when victims check their Track718.com tracking link, it invariably shows the status as “delivered” even when no order arrives. This leaves customers confused, frustrated, and out money or products.

In reality, Track718.com has no relation to any legitimate delivery companies. The site is a front merely posing as a tracker to help affiliated scam websites steal funds. When customers report missing orders, Track718.com claims no liability – pointing to its bogus tracking showing successful delivery.

This elaborate hustle allows partner ecommerce scam sites to keep ill-gotten payments while avoiding responsibility by leveraging the fake tracker. Customers are left powerless as Track718.com’s “proof” shows orders delivered.

Spotting Red Flags of the Track678 Scam

While sophisticated, key signs can help identify and avoid being deceived by Track718.com:

  • Generic domain name – Legitimate carriers use domains related to their business name.
  • Lack of contact details – No customer service phone numbers or addresses.
  • Reports of non-delivery – Online reviews detailing orders never arriving despite tracking.
  • Missing logos and branding – Real shipping companies prominently display logos.
  • Identical tracking interfaces – All carriers have unique tracking portals. Identical interfaces across domains are suspicious.
  • Affiliation claims – Scam sites often falsely claim to be “powered by” or “in partnership with” real shipping companies.
  • Poor writing and errors – Amateur errors signal scam sites.

Being skeptical of any new online tracking platform that differs from a carrier’s known official website can help avoid these scams. Only use verified tracking tools directly from shipping companies’ official websites and be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Track718.com

If you suspect you have been deceived by Track718.com, take these steps:

  • Immediately stop using the fraudulent tracking website.
  • Check with the shipping carrier to confirm if your order was actually shipped.
  • Document evidence showing the items were never delivered.
  • Report the incident to the FTC and consumer complaint agencies.
  • Dispute payments if possible and notify relevant financial institutions.
  • Be aware that personal data provided may be compromised and misused. Enable credit monitoring and update account passwords.
  • Leave online reviews warning others about the scam website.
  • Learn from the incident to increase awareness of delivery tracking scams.

Spreading awareness of schemes like Track718.com can help prevent more from falling victim and potentially get these malicious websites shut down. But those defrauded must act swiftly to limit financial damages. This scam provides a reminder to only use trusted shipping company websites for tracking deliveries.

Conclusion

Websites like Track718.com reveal a disturbing trend of ecommerce scams impersonating legitimate shipping tracking services. Caution is required to identify fraudulent sites based on red flags like lack of real carrier branding, reports of missing orders, and pressure for upfront payments. Avoiding these sham platforms and only using trusted carrier tracking portals can steer clear of this theft and deception targeting online shoppers.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

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    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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