Beware: Fake Door Dash Deliveries Used in Home Burglaries

In today’s world, where convenience often trumps caution, scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick homeowners. One such method, which has recently gained attention, involves burglars posing as delivery drivers to break into homes. A recent incident, highlighted by SGV City Watch, shows how burglars used a fake Door Dash delivery as a cover to attempt a home break-in.

This alarming tactic has become more common as delivery services surge in popularity. In this article, we’ll explore how this scam works, why it’s on the rise, and most importantly, what homeowners can do to protect themselves from falling victim to this growing threat.

What Happened in This Incident?

In a tweet shared by SGV City Watch, an attempted home burglary was captured on surveillance cameras. The burglars disguised themselves as Door Dash delivery drivers, using a food bag as a decoy to gain access to the property.

This scenario unfolded when an unsuspecting homeowner opened their door, assuming they were receiving a food delivery. However, the delivery was a ruse, and the suspects were trying to take advantage of the homeowner’s trust to enter the house and steal valuables.

This incident is not an isolated case. As more people turn to food delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and others, criminals are finding new ways to exploit the system. Homeowners, lulled into a sense of security by the convenience of modern-day deliveries, are now at risk of falling victim to such scams.

The rise of these delivery-based burglary tactics has made it more crucial than ever for homeowners to stay vigilant.

Ding Dongs Use Door Dash Ruse During Home Burglary: https://t.co/Y7s0vH2fAB pic.twitter.com/d0P7I4Xzle

— SGVCityWatch (@SGVCityWatch) April 23, 2025

How Are Scammers Using Fake Deliveries for Home Break-ins?

Scammers have learned to exploit the trust that homeowners place in delivery services. Here’s how the scam typically works:

• Impersonating Delivery Drivers: Scammers don’t have to do much to look like legitimate delivery drivers. A DoorDash bag or a similar food delivery item is often all they need to fool people into believing they’re delivering food. With many people ordering food regularly, it’s not unusual for homeowners to expect deliveries at their door.
• The Homeowner’s Vulnerability: Homeowners, especially those who are expecting a delivery, are more likely to open the door without question. The scammer, posing as a delivery driver, distracts the homeowner long enough to either gain access to the house or assess the situation for a potential break-in later.
• Creating a Distraction: Once the door is opened, the scammer may act as though they’re handing over food, which gives them a moment to survey the inside of the home or even invite an accomplice to follow them. In some cases, the scammer may attempt to force their way inside if the homeowner seems distracted enough.

This new tactic works because it takes advantage of the growing reliance on food delivery services, and scammers know how to manipulate this to their advantage. The situation is made even more dangerous by the fact that many people are not prepared for such a scam, making it easier for criminals to execute their plan.

Why Is This New Trend of Home Invasions on the Rise?

The rise in delivery-based home invasions can be attributed to several key factors. First, the growing popularity of delivery services like Door Dash, Uber Eats, and others has made it easier for scammers to blend in as legitimate service providers.

As more people regularly receive deliveries, homeowners have become accustomed to answering their doors without question. This creates a perfect opportunity for criminals to exploit the situation.

Additionally, scammers are becoming more adept at using social engineering tactics. By posing as delivery drivers, they manipulate homeowners into trusting them and opening the door.

The rise in “delivery-only” services, where drivers are often unverified or working on short-term contracts, also contributes to the issue. This lack of oversight makes it easier for criminals to pose as legitimate delivery personnel, further increasing the risk.

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What Do Experts Say About These Types of Scams?

Experts recommend several practical steps homeowners can take to protect themselves from these types of scams. First, it’s crucial to verify deliveries before opening the door, especially if you weren’t expecting anything. Calling the delivery service or checking their app can confirm whether the delivery is legitimate.

Homeowners should also be cautious of suspicious behavior, such as delivery personnel lingering at the door or acting nervously. Installing home security technologies like smart doorbells or cameras can provide an extra layer of protection by allowing homeowners to see who is at the door before answering.

Experts emphasize that maintaining vigilance, especially when alone or when the home is unoccupied, is key to preventing these types of scams.

How Can Homeowners Protect Themselves From Fake Delivery Scams?

Homeowners can take several steps to safeguard themselves from falling victim to fake delivery scams. Here’s what you can do:

• Always Verify Deliveries: Before opening the door, ensure that you are expecting a delivery. If you aren’t sure, check the delivery app or contact the service provider to confirm the order.
• Install Home Security Cameras: Investing in doorbell cameras like Ring or Nest allows you to see who is at your door before opening it. Even a simple security camera can deter scammers from attempting a break-in.
• Never Open the Door Immediately: If you’re not expecting a delivery, don’t open the door right away. Scammers often rely on homeowners acting impulsively. Take a moment to assess the situation.
• Be Cautious of Unexpected Visitors: If a delivery person seems out of place or behaves oddly, trust your instincts. If anything feels suspicious, don’t hesitate to call the authorities.

By staying vigilant and using these practical steps, homeowners can reduce the risk of becoming targets for delivery-related scams.

How Can Homeowners Stay Safe from These Scams?

To effectively protect themselves from delivery-based scams, homeowners can follow several essential safety measures. These steps can help ensure your home remains secure and reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities:

• Be Proactive with Delivery Expectations: Always keep track of any deliveries you’re expecting. Use tracking apps to monitor the status of your packages or food deliveries. If something arrives unannounced, double-check before opening the door.
• Install a Smart Doorbell or Security Camera: Investing in technology like smart doorbells (Ring, Nest) or security cameras around the entry points of your home allows you to see who’s outside before answering the door. Even simple video doorbells can help identify suspicious individuals.
• Don’t Open the Door Without Verification: If someone shows up unexpectedly claiming to be a delivery driver, don’t open the door immediately. Verify the delivery through the app or by contacting the delivery service. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t answer.
• Secure Your Property: Make sure all entry points to your home are secure. Lock doors and windows, and install motion-sensing lights around your property to deter unwanted visitors, including those who might pose as delivery personnel.
• Stay Informed About Local Scams: Stay connected with your local community, whether through online groups, neighborhood watch programs, or local police alerts. Sharing information about scams can help everyone stay vigilant and avoid becoming victims.

By adopting these practices, homeowners can build a strong defense against delivery-related scams and maintain a safer environment for themselves and their families.

Conclusion

Delivery-based scams are becoming an increasingly concerning issue, but with the right knowledge and tools, homeowners can protect themselves from these threats. By staying vigilant, installing security systems, verifying deliveries, and remaining cautious of unexpected visitors, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these types of crimes.

It’s essential to remember that a proactive approach to home security can make all the difference in safeguarding your property and peace of mind.

Staying informed about the latest scam trends and collaborating with your community also helps create a safer neighborhood for everyone. While scams like these are on the rise, being prepared and vigilant ensures you’re one step ahead in protecting your home.

Protect your home from the rising threat of delivery-related scams today. Visit our website for more helpful security tips, expert advice, and the latest updates on home safety. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now to ensure your home is secure!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that all information is up-to-date or error-free.

Always verify the details with the appropriate authorities and services. We encourage homeowners to take appropriate measures to protect their properties and stay informed about local security issues.