Scammers have developed a devious new tactic that leaves unordered phones on doorsteps. When recipients activate these devices and input personal information, the phone suddenly locks and freezes, leaving victims with useless devices while scammers harvest their personal data.

This latest scam builds on existing phone fraud methods including carrier impersonation and fake return instructions. CNET reports that engaging with these packages—by powering on devices, scanning QR codes, or inserting SIM cards—can hand scammers access to accounts, identities, and phone numbers.

Security experts recommend leaving unexpected packages unopened and unactivated. These scams highlight the growing sophistication of fraudsters and the importance of vigilance when receiving unsolicited tech deliveries. The threat extends beyond financial loss to identity theft and account compromise.