USPS Warns of Smishing Scams During the Holidays: What You Need to Know

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a spike in scammers trying to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. The USPS has issued a warning about smishing scams, which are a type of phishing scam that uses SMS or text messages.

Smishing scams often involve fake messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as the USPS. These messages may claim that you need to verify your account information or update your delivery address. Be cautious of any message that asks for sensitive information.

The USPS has reported a significant increase in smishing scams during the holiday season, with many victims losing money or having their personal information compromised. Scammers often use fake phone numbers and email addresses that look similar to legitimate USPS contact information.

To protect yourself from smishing scams, be sure to verify the authenticity of any message or email that asks for sensitive information. If you're unsure, it's always best to contact the USPS directly through their official website or phone number.

Additional reading: Holiday Email Message

Think before you click on unsolicited messages about package deliveries. These messages are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Don't reply to or click on links provided in text messages, as they can install malware, take you to fake websites, and steal your information.

Report suspicious messages to the bank, government agency, or company being impersonated. Legitimate companies won't ask you to confirm or provide personal information.

Delete text messages that ask for personal info. Treat your personal info like cash - it can be used to steal your money or open new accounts in your name.

Block spam messages by calling your carrier's customer service number (usually 611) and instructing them to block all text messages sent to you as email.

Regularly review your cell phone bill for unauthorized charges. Report them to your carrier.

Security updates are just as important on your cell phone as they are on your computer. Keep your security software and applications up to date.

If this caught your attention, see: How to Report Smishing

Here are some key indicators of a smishing scam:

If you suspect a message is a smishing scam, don't click on any links. Instead, visit the official USPS website or use their authorized mobile tools to track your package.

Be cautious of unsolicited messages about package deliveries, as they're often designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Urgent or threatening language is a red flag, so watch out for phrases like "Your package is undeliverable" or "Action required immediately."

Legitimate USPS texts won't use shortened links or domains that don't end in "usps.com", so be wary of suspicious links.

Always think before you click on any links, as they may lead to malicious websites or download harmful software onto your device.

Discover more: Usps Smishing

Urgent or Threatening Language is a common tactic used by scammers to pressure victims into acting without thinking. Scammers use phrases like "Your package is undeliverable" or "Action required immediately" to create a sense of urgency.

These phrases are red flags, and they're often used in smishing scams, as mentioned in Example 2. Legitimate USPS messages or emails will not contain links, and they won't use threatening language to get you to act fast.

The holiday season creates the perfect storm for these scams, and it's no coincidence that smishing scams are on the rise during this time. As Example 3 explains, the increase in package deliveries, heightened urgency, and trust in USPS branding all contribute to the success of these scams.

Additional reading: Smishing Example

Scammers often use urgency to pressure victims into acting without thinking. Phrases like "Your package is undeliverable" or "Action required immediately" are red flags.

Legitimate USPS texts will not use shortened links or domains that do not end in "usps.com". This is a key indicator of a smishing scam.

Always think before you click, especially on unsolicited messages about package deliveries. These messages are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

A key indicator of a smishing scam is an unsolicited message containing a strange or unfamiliar web link, especially if you haven’t signed up for USPS package tracking.

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If you get a scam text, be cautious of unsolicited texts claiming you have a package to pick up, especially if you haven't ordered anything.

A typical scam text from USPS might say your package couldn't be delivered due to insufficient address details and ask you to click a link to update your information.

Don't click on the link, as it may lead to a fraudulent website designed to steal sensitive information or install malware on your device.

If you're unsure about the authenticity of the text, report the scam by sending a screenshot of the text to SPAM (7726), a Federal Trade Commission service designed to collect and block scam messages.

Scammers are masters of disguise, and during the holidays, they're more active than ever. They'll send you fake texts claiming to be from the USPS, trying to get you to click on links or provide sensitive information. Legitimate USPS text messages or emails won't contain links, especially if you haven't signed up for package tracking.

A key indicator of a smishing scam is an unsolicited message containing a strange or unfamiliar web link. If you didn't initiate the request, don't click on any links. Scammers aim to steal personal information like usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, and PINs.

To track your package, always visit the official USPS website or use their authorized mobile tools. If you receive a text message that seems suspicious, do not click on any links. Instead, visit the USPS website directly to track your package.

Here are some key indicators of a USPS smishing scam:

• Unsolicited message containing a strange or unfamiliar web link

• Request for personal or financial information

• Urgent-sounding texts that create a sense of panic

• Fake messages claiming to be from the USPS

If you believe a message is a scam, you can report it. To do so, you'll need a copy of the message or a screenshot showing the sender's phone number and the date the message was sent.

Expand your knowledge: How to Report a Scam Website to Google

To avoid falling victim to smishing scams, never click on unsolicited messages about package deliveries. These messages are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

If you receive a suspicious text message, don't click on any links. Instead, visit the USPS website directly to track your package. This way, you can ensure that you're accessing legitimate and secure information.

A key indicator of a smishing scam is an unsolicited message containing a strange or unfamiliar web link, especially if you haven't signed up for USPS package tracking. Legitimate USPS text messages or emails will not contain links.

Here's what to do if you receive a suspicious message:

By being aware of these indicators and taking the right steps, you can protect yourself from smishing scams and enjoy a safer holiday season.

If you suspect you've received a smishing scam, report it immediately. You can do this by forwarding the scam message to SPAM (7726), a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) service designed to collect and block scam messages.

This service is a powerful tool in the fight against scams, and by reporting suspicious messages, you can help prevent others from falling victim.

Here are some key indicators of a smishing scam to look out for:

Remember, legitimate USPS text messages or emails will not contain links. If you're unsure about a message, don't click on any links.

If you clicked a suspicious link, run a malware scan on your device using trusted antivirus software.

Especially if it was a phishing email, this is a crucial step to take.