A healthcare scam unraveled after two misdelivered packages were tossed out. Then an alleged ‘parcel mule’ came knocking

An alarming incident highlights the growing sophistication of shipping-based fraud in the U.S., when routine misdelivered packages containing medical devices led to a suspected parcel mule encounter, raising concerns about healthcare-related scams.

Reddit user Oranges1cle described the incident in a post, saying they received two small packages, both addressed incorrectly. After opening them without checking the labels, the resident found a total of six Libre 3 continuous glucose monitors inside, devices used by people living with diabetes to monitor blood glucose levels.

The listed recipients on the labels appeared to be invented names, with last names that were literally colors, and one address label contained such a poor misspelling of the street name that it was surprising the package arrived at all.

Discarding the unexpected deliveries

Believing the deliveries to be either fraudulent or a mistake not worth correcting, Oranges1cle discarded both packages rather than investigate further. The next day, however, two strangers appeared at the homeowner’s door, claiming that the packages had been misdelivered. Because the original packages had already been thrown away, the resident had to improvise when questioned about delivery confirmation.

Meanwhile, one of the visitors produced a black ledger notebook filled with what looked like tracking numbers, with every line penciled in and pages filled top to bottom, which the homeowner initially assumed were FedEx tracking numbers. After checking one of these entries for confirmation, the encounter concluded, and the visitors left.

What is a parcel mule?

One commentator on the original Reddit thread suggested, “Scammers buying things with stolen cards and having them shipped to a random address. The person with the list of tracking numbers could have been a parcel mule.” In a parcel mule scam, a person unknowingly receives packages purchased fraudulently, often with stolen credit card information, and is then asked to forward them to another address, potentially overseas, on behalf of scammers.

Other Reddit commenters weighed in, noting that the healthcare company “Abbott has a free trial program that will send you 2 sensors for free if you are eligible,” and suggested that scammers could be exploiting this program to have multiple free sensors delivered to various addresses.

They explained that a month’s supply of Libre sensors can cost up to $75 even with insurance or coupons, meaning the six devices found could be worth around $225 if resold at full price.

Another user thought this could constitute “Medicare fraud.” They added, “I get my devices and supplies for free,” implying that diverting medical supplies intended for legitimate patients could have serious legal and ethical implications.

Authorities advise individuals not to accept packages on behalf of strangers, not to re-ship goods, and to report suspicious encounters to law enforcement to avoid becoming entangled in fraud or criminal liability. Oranges1cle’s post shows how a seeming delivery mix-up — especially involving medical devices — could be something more sinister.

Anyone who encounters similar situations should document interactions, refuse to forward goods, and contact authorities to protect both themselves and vulnerable patients who rely on prescription medical equipment.