USPS warns of fraudulent text messages about unclaimed packages
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Friday, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) warned people about fraudulent text messages being circulated.
“If you receive a text claiming to be from USPS about a package ‘awaiting action,’ please delete it immediately and do not open the link. These messages have no affiliation with USPS and compromise your personal data if clicked,” USPS said in a social media post.
The postal service said it does not send text messages about unclaimed packages.
“It’s a scam,” USPS said. “These texts are part of an international phishing scheme that’s designed to steal personal information from recipients. If you click on that link in the text message, you’ll be inviting the scam artists into your life.”
According to the postal service, opening the links included in these fraudulent text messages allows a pathway for others to access your personal information.
“They may steal your identity or bank account details. Your phone or system may also become filled with malware. So don’t click the USPS text you just got. It’s a scam. Just delete the text immediately,” USPS said.
Earlier this month, the Texas Department of Transportation warned toll customers about fraudulent text messages, which the department said it had been tracking reports of over the past several months.
Similar fraudulent attempts have also been seen outside of the state, with E-ZPass customers reporting messages targeting users for alleged unpaid toll invoices.
Beyond toll operators and state agencies, the Federal Trade Commission said it was also monitoring phishing scams. The FTC said suspicious messages can be reported using the “report junk” option on your phone, as well as forwarded by texting 7726 (SPAM).
What is “Smishing?”
A scam that targets cell phones is a form of phishing called, “smishing.”
Smishing can include a text message saying, “The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please confirm your address in the link within 12 hours.”
Even if you are expecting a package, do not click the link or paste it into a browser.
“USPS will not send customers text messages or e-mails without a customer first requesting the service with a tracking number, and it will not contain a link. So, if you did not initiate the tracking request for a specific package directly from USPS and it contains a link: don’t click the link,” the United States Postal Inspection Service said.
KXAN’s Kelsey Thompson contributed to this report.
