Beware of text message scams
Don’t click on the links in these fraudulent text messages
by Pinedale Online!
December 18, 2024
Most everyone has received fraudulent emails trying to trick people to click on links that go to fake websites trying to capture personal information, passwords, banking information, or to download malware onto their devices. These ploys are called phishing.
During the holiday season, there is also an increase in text message scams coming into your cell phone claiming to be from trustworthy companies, like your bank or the post office. Cybercriminals can also deliver phishing attacks through text messages. This is called smishing. These types of scams often mimic a government agency, bank, or delivery company to appear legitimate. Some of the common indicators of a smishing scheme include messaging that creates a sense of urgency with phrases like:
"Your account has been suspended"
"There is suspicious activity on your account,"
"There is an error with your shipping address"
"There is a package waiting for you at the post office"
The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not send unsolicited text messages. If you receive a message claiming to be from USPS about a package that you did not send or aren’t expecting to receive, do not click on the message, as it is likely a smishing scam.
Keep your information secure with these tips:
- Do not click. Do not open any link or attachment from a sender you cannot verify.
- Report the message to your service provider. Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This will help your wireless provider identify and block similar messages in the future.
- Additionally, USPS offers a free service called Informed Delivery®, which is available to anyone with a residential address or PO Box™ in an eligible ZIP Code™. With Informed Delivery, users can get preview images of incoming mail, as well as status updates for incoming and outbound packages. Find out if you are eligible for this service at usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm.
For more information about smishing scams: Visit the CyberSafe at USPS® pages on Blue (blue.usps.gov/cyber) and LiteBlue (liteblue.usps.gov/cyber).
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