General-news — Crime-and-justice

Avoid such actions for safety and wise decision-making.

Delivering a parcel for a neighbor may pose a risk due to a rising fraud trend. Authorities issue safety advisories to safeguard individuals.

, and Administrator

2025 September 14 . 8:46 PM

1 min read

Actions to steer clear of due to potential consequences.

Avoid such actions for safety and wise decision-making.

In the bustling city of Berlin, a new trend in package theft has been identified by the Criminal Investigation Department. Criminals are using a cunning tactic to gain access to delivered goods, and residents must stay vigilant.

The first fraud scheme involves criminals scouring the city for vacant mailboxes. Once found, they affix a fake name to the box and proceed to order goods under that name. With the delivery notification in hand, they know the exact location of the package.

Young men posing as "pickers-up" are another common sight. They often approach neighbors with excuses such as the recipient being ill or on vacation. If a package ends up with you, you will receive a delivery notification on your phone. However, be wary, for these "pickers-up" are likely fraudsters, intent on intercepting the delivered goods.

A second fraud variant is more insidious. Criminals use a real name on a mailbox for online orders and use the mailbox's address as the delivery address. The package, intended for a non-existent person, ends up with the neighbor. The delivery person does not find the recipient and leaves the package with a neighbor unwittingly.

The criminals' goal in both cases is the same: to intercept the delivered goods. The Berlin Police urge residents to be cautious and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a delivery person or a "picker-up." If you receive a package that isn't yours, contact the delivery service immediately and secure the package until you can confirm its rightful owner.

Stay informed, stay safe, and let's work together to combat package theft in our city.