Scam Shield
Know the scams before they find you
Fake trips, advance payments and “just carry this bag” requests are common in luggage-sharing groups. Here's how each one works and how HelpCarry helps.
The three rules that stop almost every scam
- 1Pay only on handover, in person. Never a deposit.
- 2Keep the chat on HelpCarry until you've met.
- 3Open and inspect everything you carry. Sealed or “don't open” means no.
Common patterns
The fake trip
A new profile posts a trip that leaves very soon, collects “space fees” from several senders and disappears.
Check the trip's trust card, and never pay before you meet.
Advance or deposit
“Pay 50% now to reserve space” or “send the customs fee first”. Once paid, the traveller is gone.
No money changes hands before the handover.
Gift cards and crypto
You're asked to buy a gift card and send the code, or pay in crypto. It can't be traced or reversed.
Treat any gift-card request as a scam, every time.
“Let's move to WhatsApp”
They push you off the app straight away, often with a payment link, so there's no record and no report.
Stay here until you've met. Don't open payment links from strangers.
Passport photos and codes
“Send your passport so I can add you to my booking” or “tell me the code you just got”. Used for identity theft or account takeover.
Never share ID photos or one-time codes in chat.
The sealed package
A stranger offers money or a free flight to carry a sealed bag. Travellers have been arrested carrying drugs this way.
Inspect everything and use the Proof Pack. Refuse anything sealed.
“It's delivered”
A traveller claims delivery without the recipient getting anything, then pressures for payment.
Pay only when you or your recipient has the item in hand and confirms the code.
Fake HelpCarry staff
Someone claims to be HelpCarry support and asks for payment or codes.
HelpCarry support only writes from contact@helpcarry.com and never asks for money.
What Scam Shield does for you
- Warns you in chat when a message asks for advance payment, gift cards, outside links, ID photos or secrecy, in 7 languages.
- Makes “pay on handover only” the default agreement on every booking.
- Shows a trust card on each trip from account age, completed carries, reviews and cancellations.
- Lets you report a suspicious message with one tap.
Think you've been targeted?
- Stop replying and don't send any money or documents.
- Report the message or profile. We review every report.
- If you've already paid, contact your bank or payment app straight away, and report it to your local police.
Based on public advisories from consumer-protection agencies, embassies and customs services, and on reports from luggage-sharing groups. Guidance, not legal advice.