In recent years, U.S. law enforcement agencies have identified a growing scam targeting international students, new immigrants, and individuals seeking remote part-time work.
Many people believe they are simply helping with a “package forwarding job.” In reality, they may unknowingly become involved in credit card fraud, mail fraud, or even money laundering investigations.
If you have ever been asked to receive packages, forward items, or transfer money for someone else, this article is important for you.
These scams usually follow three stages.
Scammers often contact victims through:
Typical messages include:
You only need to receive packages and forward them
Earn $50–$200 per package
Work from home with flexible hours
These positions usually do not represent legitimate employment.
After initial contact, packages begin arriving at your residence. Common items include:
In many cases, these items were purchased using:
❌ Stolen credit cards
❌ Identity theft
❌ Funds obtained through online fraud
Under U.S. law, these items may be considered stolen property.
Next, scammers typically request that you:
At this stage, you may already be viewed as part of the fraud operation.
Many people believe:
I only received a package. I didn’t commit fraud.
However, under U.S. criminal law, liability is not limited to the person who directly commits the fraud.
If someone participates in:
law enforcement may consider that person part of the fraud chain.
Potential charges may include:
⚠️ Federal Mail Fraud
⚠️ Credit Card Fraud
⚠️ Receiving Stolen Property
⚠️ Money Laundering
Some investigations are handled at the federal level, which can carry serious legal consequences.
Fraud organizations often target:
Common reasons include:
As a result, international students are disproportionately affected in these cases.
One of the most common concerns people ask is:
“Am I in trouble if I already received one package?”
The answer depends on several factors, including:
Even if you were unaware of the fraud, you may still become part of an investigation.
If you have participated in this type of activity, it is important to act quickly:
✅ Stop all communication with the sender
✅ Save all messages and emails
✅ Keep shipping labels and tracking information
✅ Do not forward additional packages
✅ Do not share banking or identity information
In some situations, consulting a criminal defense attorney early can significantly reduce legal risk.
The earlier you take action, the better your position may be.
Be cautious if you notice any of the following:
These are common indicators of fraud-related activity.
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