Spotting Reshipping Scams: What You Need to Know

🚨 Beware Remote Jobs That Ask You to “Get Packages, Inspect the Contents, and Send Them Back Out”

In the ever-expanding world of remote work, not all opportunities are what they seem. One of the most dangerous and deceptive scams is the so-called “reshipping job.” It is a scheme that lures job seekers with promises of easy money. The job involves simply receiving, inspecting, and resending packages. But behind the scenes, these jobs often involve stolen goods, identity theft, and even criminal liability.

📦 What Is a Reshipping Scam?

A reshipping scam typically presents itself as a legitimate-sounding remote job. You see titles like:

• “Logistics Coordinator”
• “Package Processing Assistant”
• “Quality Control Inspector”
• “Shipping Manager (Remote)”

The job description usually involves receiving packages at your home. You will inspect the contents and take photos. Then, you ship them to another location — often overseas. You may even be promised reimbursement for shipping costs and a monthly salary.

But here’s the truth: these packages are often purchased with stolen credit cards. By participating, you unknowingly become part of a criminal operation.

🚨 Why It’s Dangerous

• You’re handling stolen goods: Many of these packages contain electronics. They include designer items or other high-value merchandise. These items are often bought with fraudulent payment techniques.
• You could be committing a felony, even if you’re unaware. Reshipping stolen goods can make you an accessory to fraud. It can also make you an accessory to trafficking.
• One of the risks of getting involved in a reshipping scam is that you might not get paid. The scammers often will send you a fake check. They might promise to pay you after a “trial period.” However, they never come through on their promise.
• You risk identity theft: These scams often ask for personal information. They require you to submit details like your Social Security number, driver’s license, or bank information.

🕵️‍♀️ Red Flags to Watch For

• The company has no verifiable online presence or uses a generic email domain (like Gmail or Outlook).
• Reshipping scams often will ask you to pay for shipping labels and supplies before you receive the package. They may demand payment even before you have been paid.
• The job offer comes unsolicited via text, email, or social media.
• Do you feel pressured into moving fast and skipping a formal interview process?
• The company avoids video calls or in-person meetings.

✅ How to Protect Yourself

• Research the company: Look for reviews, a professional website, and a verifiable business address.
• Check with the BBB or USPS: The Better Business Bureau and U.S. Postal Inspection Service both track reshipping scams.
• If you’re the victim of a reshipping scam, you might get an offer to get paid by check. Do not accept it, as it could be tied to the scam.
• Trust your instincts: If it sounds too easy or too good to be true, it probably is.

🛡️ What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

• Stop all communication with the scammer.
• Report the incident to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Check your credit and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.
• If you’ve shipped any packages, inform your local law enforcement.

Remote work can be a fantastic opportunity — but only when it’s legitimate. If a job involves handling packages from strangers, take caution. This is especially true if there are vague instructions and promises of easy money. It’s time to walk away.

🚫 Reshipping Scams: Final Takeaways

🧠 What They Are

Reshipping scams pose as work-from-home jobs where you’re asked to receive packages—often electronics or luxury goods—and forward them elsewhere. These items are usually purchased with stolen credit cards. The scammer uses you as a “money mule” to avoid detection.

⚠️ Why They’re Dangerous

• You could unknowingly be committing mail fraud or trafficking stolen goods
• Scammers may steal your identity using personal info you provide
• You might face legal consequences, even if you didn’t know it was a scam

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• Never accept packages for strangers or reship items from your home
• Avoid job offers that involve “logistics coordinator” or “package handler” roles with vague duties
• Don’t share personal info like your SSN or bank details unless you’ve verified the company
• Report suspicious activity to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (press 5)

✅ Legitimate vs. Scam

Freight forwarding is a real business model used by logistics companies. No legitimate employer will ask you to run shipping operations from your home. Proper vetting, contracts, and infrastructure are necessary.