The $12.95 Brick

About the Scam


This swindle depends upon the victim's willingness to help his neighbor. A person dressed as a delivery man arrives at the victim's door with a package addressed to a neighbor. He explains that the neighbor is not home and asks the victim to accept the package. By paying the $12.95 COD charge and accepting the package, the victim will save his neighbor from waiting in long lines at the post office.

When the neighbor arrives home and the package is opened, it is discovered that the victim has paid $12.95 for a three-pound brick.

How to Avoid


  • Accept packages only if they are pre-paid or you have been specifically told to do so by a neighbor.