A home security camera in Milford, Connecticut, captured the scene. Two men dressed as Amazon drivers approached a house off Naugatuck Avenue. One carried a package to make the delivery seem legitimate. When the resident opened the door, the men forced their way inside.

A violent attack

Prosecutors said the suspects pistol-whipped the victim, bound him with duct tape, and ransacked the home. When the victim resisted, one reportedly ordered the other to shoot him in the head. The gun was “dry-fired” – meaning there was no round in the chamber – but the terrifying click of the trigger haunted the victim. 

The intruders stole over $50,000 worth of jewelry before fleeing in a black sedan. Surveillance footage showed the victim running after them, tearing off the duct tape.

One of the suspects was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including home invasion and first-degree robbery. In court, his attorney described the suspect as a dedicated father who had taken responsibility for his actions. The judge recently sentenced him to 10 years in prison and five years of probation. 

The incident happened back in January 2022. The victim did not attend the hearing this year, but the judge acknowledged the lasting trauma. “For the rest of his life, that victim is going to remember that false firing of that gun. You can’t unring that bell.”

Three other suspects also face charges. Police say one of them knew the victim and orchestrated the robbery.

How to protect yourself from fake Amazon (or any package) delivery scams

First off, according to the Better Business Bureau, scammers often pose as delivery services to steal personal information. Don’t provide personal info via text or email. They could use this information to your detriment.

Keep in mind that Amazon deliveries rarely require interaction with the driver. Choose not to open the door if you’re not expecting to sign for anything. As with the incident above, check for the vehicle the driver pulled up in. While it’s true some drivers seem to use their personal cars these days, most often, they’re in a branded van. Be wary of unbranded vehicles.

Security experts also recommend using a doorbell camera or peephole to verify who’s outside before unlocking the door. Even then, it can be difficult to determine the validity of a delivery driver, so stay alert.

If someone who says they’re with Amazon refuses to provide ID or acts suspiciously, just call the police. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.