PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Personal safety & immediate danger fake delivery person at door • pretending to be a courier • bogus delivery driver entry • stranger at building entrance • someone buzzing my apartment • unexpected delivery at intercom • package delivery ruse • suspicious person in hallway • tailgating into building • piggybacking through security door • apartment entry scam • letting in a stranger mistake • delivery uniform looks real • pressured to open the door • courier says for another unit • someone wants gate code • door buzzer safety • secured lobby access • suspicious delivery notice • someone won’t leave doorway

What to do if…
you suspect someone is trying to get access to your building by pretending to be delivering something

Short answer

Do not buzz them in or open the door. Keep the barrier in place while you verify, and if you feel threatened or they try to force entry, call 911.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t let someone in because they claim they’re delivering to “another unit” or “the office.”
  • Don’t share gate codes, entry codes, or use your fob/key to grant access for a stranger.
  • Don’t step into the hall/lobby to meet them if you feel unsure or pressured.
  • Don’t get pulled into a face-to-face confrontation at the door.
  • Don’t trust a link, QR code, or phone number they provide as “proof” of a delivery.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause. Lock your door and step back. If you’re at an intercom/callbox, don’t buzz anyone in while you’re unsure.
  2. Use distance and a script. Through the closed door/intercom say:
    • “Who is it for (name/unit)?”
    • “What company are you with?”
      Then: “I’m not letting anyone in. Please contact the recipient or ring the correct unit.”
  3. Direct them to the proper channel for your building.
    • If your building has a front desk/concierge/security, tell them to go there.
    • If your building uses a package room/locker system, tell them to use that (or to leave a standard delivery notice and move on).
    • If they insist you “have to” let them in, treat that as a red flag and end the conversation.
  4. Verify independently (optional, only if it’s safe). If you are expecting a package, check tracking in the retailer/courier app or website you already use (not via a message link). If you can’t verify quickly, don’t grant entry.
  5. Alert someone who can secure the building. Contact your property manager/building security and report: time, location (front door/lobby), and what happened. Ask them to check door hardware (self-closing/locks) and review any camera footage.
  6. Escalate based on immediate risk.
    • Call 911 if someone attempts to force entry, threatens you, or you believe a crime is in progress.
    • If it’s suspicious but not an emergency, contact your local police department’s non-emergency number and your building’s security/management.
  7. If they claim to be USPS (or you suspect mail-related impersonation): USPS employees are required to visibly display a photo ID badge while on duty. You can ask them to show ID without opening the door (through a window/peephole/intercom), and you can still decline entry and ask them to leave a notice or follow your building’s delivery process. If you believe someone is impersonating USPS or attempting mail theft, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

What can wait

  • You don’t need to determine whether it was “definitely” a scam right now.
  • You don’t need to confront them, follow them, or try to “catch” them.
  • You don’t need to make building-wide security changes in the moment—just report the incident and any door/lock failures promptly.
  • If you clicked a “delivery problem” link and entered info, you can deal with accounts once you’re steady (start with your bank/payment method, then passwords).

Important reassurance

Feeling awkward is normal—these situations exploit politeness and urgency. In a secured building, not granting entry to unknown people is a reasonable, safety-first default.

Scope note

These are immediate first steps to prevent unsafe entry and stabilise the situation. Follow-up actions (formal reports, building policy changes, longer documentation) can happen after you feel safe and steady.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice. If you feel in danger or someone is attempting unlawful entry, prioritize getting safe and contacting emergency services.

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