You found the item. The price looks perfect. You click Buy Now and then boom. The order never arrives. The website vanishes. The number is “not in service.” Online scams have become common these days. They are clever, fast, and can cost you both money and mental peace. But the good news is that most scams follow patterns, and if you know what to look for, you can stop them in their tracks. Knowing how to protect yourself from online purchase scams is very important so you can order with confidence, not fear. If you are concerned about staying safe while using purchase & delivery services, this one is for you.
The Rise of Online Delivery Fraud in the UAE
According to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, online shopping fraud increased by 33% in 2024, particularly through fake delivery apps and phishing links shared on WhatsApp.
Scammers are getting better at impersonating legit brands, sending fake tracking links, or tricking users into sharing sensitive information.
How to Stay Safe while using Purchase and Delivery Services
Following certain things while choosing an online purchase and delivery service can help you save yourself from scams and fraud. While selecting a purchase and delivery service for your errand, you must pay heed to:
Spot the Red Flags Early
Most scams show their hand early. You just need to know where to look. But in the rush of clicking “Buy Now” or replying to a delivery text, it’s easy to miss the signs. It might start with a fake website that looks legit. A WhatsApp message pretending to be a courier. An invoice for something you never ordered. Or a payment link that feels just a bit off but you’re in a hurry, so you click anyway. These are deliberate traps set to trick unsuspecting, innocent buyers. And in a world where online shopping and delivery are second nature, scammers rely on your trust to do the rest.
Here’s what should raise your suspicion:
You can spot a scam if anything seems like this:
- A deal that is too good to be true (50% off iPhones? Come on.)
- Vague product descriptions with no clear return or refund policy
- Social media pages with no physical location or customer reviews
- Demanding full payment via wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto
- Delivery services asking for extra “release fees” via SMS or email
Check Before You Click
So, how can you protect yourself from online scams and frauds? Following these guidelines can help you be on the safe side. These are not complicated; rather, they are very simple, easy to remember, and easy to follow. You must consider these while hiring a service for your urgent purchase and delivery runs.
You should always
- Use well-known platforms or verified service apps
- Read the product and seller reviews, especially the negative ones
- Look for “https” in the website URL (the ‘s’ stands for secure)
- Cross-check store pages across platforms (e.g., Instagram vs. Google)
- Choose cash-on-delivery or secure payment gateways when possible
- Keep screenshots of your order, invoice, and conversation
Delivery Scams: How do They Work
Scammers often use fake tracking updates, spoofed texts, or fake delivery attempts to get you to click shady links or make extra payments. Fishy links, on which, once clicked, they can get your financial accounts hacked in minutes. So, you have to be very careful in
Below is a comparison of legitimate vs. scammy delivery contact attempts. When one knows how a legitimate or a spammy service looks, he/she can easily decide if he/she should go with that certain service or not. Go through this comparison and you will know how the signs of a legitimate or spammy service.
| Legitimate Delivery Contact | Scam Delivery Attempt |
| Sent from official number or app | Random SMS with suspicious linkaa |
| Order details match your purchase | Claims a package you never ordered |
| No request for extra payment | Demands “release fee” via card/mobile |
| Delivery staff follow clear ID protocol | Person arrives with no uniform or ID |
Your Personal Safety Checklisting
Before completing any online purchase with delivery, you should mark these things to make sure that you have hired a spam-proof service.
Scam-Proof Checklist:
- Is the seller/platform verified and reviewed?
- Can you trace the physical address or contact?
- Do you understand the return and refund policy?
- Are you tracking your delivery through a secure link?
- Can you contact customer support in real time?
If the answer is “no” to any of these, take a step back before buying.
Staying Safe While Using Purchase & Delivery Services
Being careful doesn’t mean being paranoid or becoming overly cautious to the point of paranoia. It means you should be prepared enough so you don’t come to counter with a scam. The buyers don’t just ask, “How fast will it arrive?” now. They ask, “How safe is the process?” It may be groceries, gadgets, or gifts, it can be anything. Staying safe while using purchase & delivery services means you are protecting your time, your hard-earned money, and your identity. Because some scams won’t attack you just financially, they can cause you your identity risks i.e, misusing your name for a fishy purpose.
Need a Reliable Purchase and Delivery Service in the UAE? Taskerz is the name you should go with
If you are looking for a reliable purchase and delivery service in the UAE, Taskerz should be your go-to choice. Every delivery managed by Taskerz is done by dedicated runners; real people with verified IDs. With Taskerz, you get real-time attuned information about your purchase and its delivery via WhatsApp and customer chat support. The service includes no bots, no shady SMS. Moreover, taskerz offers same day, express, and scheduled deliveries, to fit your needs.
Here is how Taskerz keeps your orders safe:
- Real-time location tracking of every delivery
- Digital proof of purchase and delivery
- Instant communication with assigned shopper
- UAE-based support team
- Optional cash-on-delivery to reduce payment fraud
Whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, your purchases and deliveries are safe with Taskerz.
Your Best Defense is Awareness
Scams thrive in silence. But you’re not silent. You’ve just read through every red flag, smart habit, and protective step to keep your orders safe. Now you’re not just a buyer. You’re a smart digital buyer and scammers hate that. Next time you’re placing an order, ask yourself, “Am I just buying… or am I also protecting myself?” With Taskerz, you get both.
