Although delivery services bring more convenience to daily life, scams and data breaches have left users apprehensive. Reports of security breaches in apps, duplicate payments, and fake tracking links are drawing attention; but none of this means you should abandon ordering. As long as the necessary precautions are taken, it's possible to enjoy this convenience with peace of mind.
“Knowing the main risks is essential to maintaining a proactive stance. Therefore, following simple measures, such as avoiding conversations with the establishment outside of official channels and periodically updating payment information, can make all the difference in avoiding losses,” comments Vinícius Valle, Marketing Coordinator at Gaudium, a company specializing in technology for mobility and delivery.
With that in mind, Valle shares some information to help protect yourself from scams, whether on popular apps or when ordering directly from restaurants. Check it out:
Data leak
Delivery apps store sensitive information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and payment details, making them frequent targets for cyberattacks. Therefore, users should adopt security measures, the most important of which is creating strong and unique passwords for each service.
Furthermore, avoiding storing sensitive information directly in applications and opting for more secure payment methods, such as virtual cards or systems with multi-factor authentication, reduces the risks of data exposure and theft.
Fake tracking links
Scammers can send fraudulent messages in side conversations via SMS or WhatsApp to trick users and direct them to malicious websites, with the goal of stealing personal data. These messages, often simulating order notifications or offers, contain links that lead to fake pages where criminals attempt to obtain passwords and bank details.
Vinícius warns that delivery apps don't usually send links via text message. "To ensure safety, it's recommended that consumers track their orders exclusively through official apps or company websites, avoiding clicking on links received in unsolicited messages," he says.
Unfair charges
Another common scam involves the improper charging of extra fees. In this case, malicious delivery drivers request additional payments under various pretexts, such as unexpected fees, order adjustments, or problems with payment through the app.
To avoid fraud, users should never make extra transfers or 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 amount charged is correct and authorized. Applying this security measure ensures a more reliable experience when using the service," concludes Vinícius Valle.
