WPBN: As the Christmas season progresses, millions of people in the United States are occupied with the process of sending and receiving gifts, cards, and packages.
On the other hand, in the middle of the holiday mood, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a warning about a new scam that targets individuals who are unaware of the circumstances through the use of text messages.
According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, this con is a straightforward technique that has the potential to cause harm.
Those that engage in fraudulent activity send text messages to individuals, saying that their United States Postal Service shipment cannot be delivered because of missing information.
These communications are designed to give the impression that they are genuine and to scare recipients into taking fast action.
There is generally a link included in the message, and the receiver is encouraged to click on it in order to resolve the alleged problem. As soon as the link is visited, the con artists will ask for personal information from you, including your name, address, phone number, and even payment information.
If you provide this information, you run the risk of having your identity stolen, having illegal access to your accounts, and suffering lost money.
Any links that are included in such letters should be avoided at all costs, according to the United States Postal Service.
A strong emphasis is placed on the fact that the United States Postal Service does not send unsolicited emails or text messages that require personal information or payment details for the delivery of packages.
“The criminals want to receive personally identifiable information (PII) about the victim such as: account usernames and passwords, Social Security number, date of birth, credit and debit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), or other sensitive information,” the USPS stated.
Customers will never get a direct text message from the USPS regarding package issues. Customers must register for the service on the USPS website if they would like to get package updates.
Authorities are referring to the fraud as “smishing.”
What does “smishing” mean?
The Federal Communications Commission defines smishing as a form of “phishing” in which con artists pose as legitimate organizations, such banks or government agencies, and send phony text messages.
“A typical smishing scam message may seem like it’s from a bank – maybe your bank – and include a link or phone number to bait you into clicking or calling,” the Federal Communications Commission stated. The con artists will then seek for personal information to sell and/or utilize in further frauds if you comply with their instructions.
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Is it possible to subscribe to USPS text updates?
Indeed. Customers can use a service provided by the USPS to get package updates. You must go to the USPS website to register.
Informed Delivery is an additional service provided by USPS that allows users to receive emails that display their mail and shipments as they are scanned. You must also go to the USPS website to register.
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How do I report an attempted “smishing” by the USPS?
Customers are asked to snap a screenshot of the bogus text message, put it into an email, and send it to [email protected] in order to report a potential smishing event.
Include the following in the email:
- Your name
- A screenshot of the text message displaying the sender’s phone number and the send date.
- Any more pertinent information, such whether you clicked on the link, lost money, gave any personal information, or if your credit or identity suffered in any way.
In order to help customers report the fraudulent phone number, USPS also requests that they forward the smishing text message to 7726. If additional information is required, you will be contacted by the Postal Inspection Service.
