Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and our accessibility as resources is becoming easier and easier. USPS text message scams are the latest in making victims out of online shoppers expecting packages to arrive from their mail carriers. USPS text message scams have been dubbed ‘smishing’ which is a form of fraud through SMS or text messaging. These text messages are fake and are being sent by scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers.
USPS Text Message Scams In The Form Of “Smishing”
Fraudsters were originally using emails to send malicious emails which was known as “phishing”. Consumers have now become victims of a USPS text message scam known as “smishing”. These are text messages that are claiming to be from the USPS and are prompting consumers to provide personal information through clicking on links or downloading attachments. This then gives hackers access to your usernames and passwords and even steals financial information that is linked to your account.
The USPS will not send text messages or even emails about packages that have been unclaimed, nor will they use this form of communication for undelivered packages. You will be provided with specific information to track your package and will be provided with a tracking number. There will be no link to follow without a request by a customer directly. If the message is unsolicited, do not follow any links if you did not sign up to receive a package. Scammers will disguise themselves as part of a government agency, a bank or a company like USPS and delivery services.
Staying Safe Online
The USPS issued safety tips on being aware of potential scammers lurking behind the scenes to catch you off-guard:
- Read any messages you receive very carefully. If you notice any poor grammar and spelling, there is a big chance that the text or email may be fraudulent.
- Do not click on random links you receive in a text without reading the message clearly and verifying that it is in fact from the source it claims to be from.
- By reading the message clearly, depending on the information that the sender is requesting from you, you should be able to make a good judgment about whether the message is legitimate or not.
- In saying that, do not give out personal information. Any delivery you are expecting should have all the information they need. If the sender is asking for personal information, be aware that this might be fraudulent.
- Keep your security software up to date. Browsers on your phone and your computer have security settings that can inform you if a link is possibly malicious.
Keep Up To Date With Anti-Fraud News
The sad reality is that fraudsters are finding new ways to trick unknowing internet users into giving out their confidential and important information. The latest statistics show that people are being scammed via Facebook, online shopping, USPS text messaging, and even dating applications. Keeping yourself informed is a sure way to prevent yourself from becoming one of these statistics. Follow the golden rules of internet usage:
- Avoid clicking on links or websites you don’t trust. Your browser should suggest that the website can be trusted or not. However, this is not always the case as scammers are becoming smarter by the day. Always be cautious about websites that you find via social media or random emails.
- Guard your important and confidential information.
- Verify websites through customer reviews. If you are unsure if something is legitimate or not, do an internet search. You will quickly be able to see if contact numbers, emails, fraudulent websites, and claims are real or fake.
- Check the payment method when using an online payment portal. It should be secure. If you are doing online shopping, make sure you are aware of return policies and shipping costs.
For more information on anti-fraud news, visit our website: www.antifraudnews.com. We stay on top of things and ensure that you stay informed.