Fake Courier & Bank Calls: Staying Safe as a Seller
Running an online shop means answering calls and messages from numbers you do not know — buyers, couriers, suppliers. Scammers know this. They call pretending to be a courier company, a bank, a mobile wallet or even a marketplace, and they sound official, friendly and in a hurry. What they want is always one of a few things: a one-time code, a PIN, a password, or a small payment. This guide explains the most common fake calls and messages aimed at sellers, the requests genuine companies do not make, and exactly what to do if you have already shared something.
1. Why sellers are targeted
A seller's phone number is often public — on social media, in listings and on parcels. Sellers also expect calls about orders and deliveries, so a call about "your parcel" or "your payment" does not seem strange.
Scammers use that expectation. The call feels routine, and the request is slipped in quickly.
🔑 The key point
The rule that protects you from almost every call scam: never share a one-time code, PIN or password with anyone who contacts you — however official they sound.
2. Fake courier calls and messages
These pretend to be about a parcel you sent or are expecting.
- "Your parcel is on hold — pay a small fee", with a payment request or link.
- "Confirm your address by clicking this link", leading to a fake page.
- "We will send you a code to verify the delivery — read it back to us".
- "The buyer has paid, give us your account details to receive it".
⚠️ Careful here
If you have a question about a parcel, contact the courier yourself using the number or app from its official website — not the number that called you.
3. Fake bank and wallet calls
Callers claim to be from a bank or a mobile wallet such as Easypaisa or JazzCash. They may say your account is blocked, needs verification, or has a suspicious transaction.
- They ask you to read out a code that has just arrived by SMS.
- They ask for your PIN, password or card details to "unblock" the account.
- They ask you to move money to a "safe" account.
- They create panic so you act before thinking.
⚠️ Careful here
A code sent to your phone is usually what lets someone log in or approve a transaction as you. Reading it out can hand over your account.
4. WhatsApp and social media account takeovers
A common trick is a message from a contact — or a stranger — saying a code was sent to your phone by mistake and asking you to forward it. That code is often the verification code for your WhatsApp account. Once shared, the scammer can register your number on their device and message your customers as you.
The same approach is used for Instagram, Facebook and email accounts, often with messages claiming your account will be closed unless you verify.
💡 Worth knowing
Turn on two-step verification wherever it is offered. See How to Secure Your Seller Accounts.
5. Fake marketplace messages
Scammers also pretend to be from marketplaces — including dapxop — claiming your store will be suspended, your payout is waiting, or your listing needs urgent verification, with a link to click.
Always go to the site yourself by typing dapxop.com, sign in there, and check your dashboard. Never enter your password or a code on a page you reached through a link in a message.
6. What genuine companies do not ask for
Treat any request on this list as a scam, even if the caller knows your name, your order details or part of your account number.
| Request | Safe to share? |
|---|---|
| One-time code (OTP) sent by SMS or email | Never |
| PIN or password | Never |
| Full card number and CVV | Never over a call |
| A fee to release a parcel, via a personal account | No — verify with the official courier |
| Moving money to a "safe" account | Never |
7. Stop, hang up, call back
When a call feels urgent, slow it down. A genuine company will not mind you checking.
- Stop — do not act on anything while you are on the call.
- Hang up — politely end the conversation.
- Call back using the number printed on your card, inside the official app or on the official website.
- Ask someone you trust if you are unsure.
Urgency is the scammer's favourite tool. Taking two minutes to check is yours.
8. If you have already shared a code or PIN
Act immediately — minutes matter.
- Call your bank or wallet provider on its official helpline and ask them to block or secure the account.
- Change your passwords and PINs, starting with email, banking and wallet apps.
- Recover your WhatsApp or social accounts and turn on two-step verification.
- Warn your customers if your account may have been used to message them.
- Save the evidence — numbers, messages and times.
- Report the fraud to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency through its online complaint portal.
9. Protect the people who help you
Family members who answer your business phone or pack orders can be targeted too. Share the simple rules with them: never share codes or PINs, never pay a fee to release a parcel without checking, and always call back on an official number.
Consider using a separate number for your business so personal and shop calls are easier to manage.
10. Your call safety checklist
Five rules that stop most call and message scams.
- Never share one-time codes, PINs or passwords.
- Never click links in unexpected messages about parcels, payments or accounts.
- Call back on official numbers from cards, apps or websites.
- Turn on two-step verification on WhatsApp, social media and email.
- Type dapxop.com yourself instead of following links.
More seller safety guides
This guide is part of Protecting Your Online Business From Scams, the complete seller safety guide.
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Frequently asked
Will my bank or wallet ever ask for my OTP code?
You should never share a one-time code, PIN or password with anyone who contacts you. If a caller asks for one, hang up and call the official helpline yourself.
What is the WhatsApp code scam?
Someone asks you to forward a code sent to your phone, often claiming it was sent by mistake. It is usually your WhatsApp verification code, and sharing it can let them take over your account.
A courier called asking for a fee to release my parcel. Is it real?
Treat it as suspicious. Contact the courier yourself using the number or app from its official website before paying anything.
How do I know a dapxop message is genuine?
Do not follow links in unexpected messages. Type dapxop.com yourself, sign in and check your dashboard, and never enter a password or code on a page reached through a message link.
What should I do if I shared a code?
Call your bank or wallet provider on its official helpline immediately, change passwords and PINs, recover affected accounts, warn customers and report the fraud to the NCCIA.
How can I protect family members who help with my shop?
Share simple rules: never share codes or PINs, never pay fees without checking, and always call back on official numbers.