Have you ever received a text message saying it’s from the United States Postal Service? Maybe it mentions a package that’s out for delivery, a missed delivery attempt, or unpaid postage. While it might look official, there’s a good chance it’s actually one of many text scams targeting people every day.
These scams usually start with a message claiming there’s an urgent issue with your delivery. The message often includes a link and tells you to click to resolve the problem. But clicking that link is exactly what the scammer wants you to do. It often leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Here’s how the scam works: you click the link, enter your details and the scammers get access to your name, address, credit card number, or even direct payments. They can use your information for identity theft or fraudulent purchases.
To protect yourself from fake messages, remember these tips:
- Never click on links in a suspicious text message.
- Don’t trust messages claiming to be from USPS asking for payment or personal info.
- If you’re unsure, verify your delivery status independently. Log in to the retailer’s site or call the USPS phone number directly. Don’t use any phone number or link from the suspicious message.
- Use spam filters on your phone to block unknown senders.
- Report suspicious text scams by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM) or by reporting it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Scammers are counting on you to click without thinking. Next time you get an unexpected text message about a package, pause, double-check, and stay one step ahead of the scam.
