The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is warning county residents about potential package scams during the Valentine’s Day season.

An unexpected gift on Valentine’s Day might seem like a nice surprise, but according to the District Attorney’s Office, these deliveries may also give scammers direct access to people’s credit cards.

“This holiday season, beware of gifts that unexpectedly show up at your doorsteps,” said Mark Forer, Deputy District Attorney.

In this delivery scame, the victim gets a phone call from a someone claiming to be a shipping company calling to to schedule a delivery, according to Forer

The scammer, sometimes dressed in uniform, then arrives at the victim’s house with the package, according to officials

If asked who sent it, the scammer says he or she doesn’t know or that the sender’s card will be shipped separately. The scammer then says the recipient must pay a small delivery fee, according to officials

“The con artist insists payment can be made only via a credit card, giving the victim the impression that the transaction is legitimate,” said Forer. “The credit card gets swiped on a mobile device.”

While the victim may have received a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a fine bottle of wine, officials say that the thief will more likely get the bigger gift: A shopping spree with the victim’s credit card number.

The District Attorney’s Office released the following tips for LA County residents this Valentine’s season:

• Never accept a package if you don’t know who the sender is.
• Do not give out credit or debit card information unless you have initiated the transaction.
• Be suspicious of packages from unrecognized delivery services.

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