Brits warned of important PIN rule when using food delivery services, to avoid costly scams

For many households, a takeaway is a valued treat – offering a break from cooking, a cosy family night in, or a reward at the end of a long day.

 

However, a viral TikTok has highlighted how one simple mistake could cost you your takeaway, turning a little treat into a source of financial stress and disappointment.

 

We are warning Brits on why offering food delivery drivers your delivery PIN too early may cost you money, as well as your order.

 

The easy mistake that could cost you your order

 

Nearly half of Brits (49%)[1] order takeaways up to four times a week – equal to 208 takeaways each year – with Just Eat being the nation’s favourite, followed by Uber Eats and Deliveroo[2].

 

With Brits spending up to £830[3] per year on takeaways alone, it is important to safeguard your finances while doing so.

 

When ordering from a delivery service, drivers will often ask you for a private PIN. This is designed to protect customers by verifying that an order has been delivered to the intended recipient. Yet one TikTok has raised awareness of potential risks if your driver requests this over the phone.

 

Aseem Munshi, Our Founder at Updraft, explains:

 

“If your food delivery driver requests your delivery PIN over the phone before they’re at your door, this could be a sign of a scam. It is best practice to only provide your PIN when the driver is in front of you.”

 

“Any delivery driver who acts in this manner would be violating company standards and policies and will likely face disciplinary action and escalation if reported.”

 

“The risk you take by sharing your personal PIN before receiving your food is the order being marked as delivered in the app, even if you never receive your food. In theory, it could allow a driver acting against company policies to claim the money for the delivery, as well as the food.”

 

How to protect your food and your finances

 

With Brits ordering up to 208 takeaways per year, prevention of scams and safeguarding your finances is key.

 

Aseem concludes:

 

“As a general rule of thumb, only ever provide your delivery driver with your private PIN when the driver is in front of you, or if you have received your food. If they ask for it beforehand, don’t share it.”

“Taking the time to be cautious, even with a simple Friday night takeaway, can help to save money and ensure you can fully enjoy your food delivery.”

 

“If you find yourself making the mistake of sharing your personal PIN before your order is delivered, don’t panic. First, confirm that the delivery hasn’t been left around your house by checking the vicinity and with neighbours. Once you are certain the food has not arrived, report the issue through the delivery service’s app or phone line within 48 hours to begin the refund and resolution process.”