Protect your inbox: How to spot and avoid USPS scam texts
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In today's digital world, where our phones and inboxes are constantly buzzing, it’s easier than ever to be tricked by scammers.
Every text and email can bring important news—or, unfortunately, deceptive schemes.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a crucial warning that could be the key to protecting your personal information and finances.
As part of National Consumer Protection Week, USPS is shedding light on a dangerous trend: scam texts that start with a very specific three-word phrase.
We, at The GrayVine, want to help you stay one step ahead of these digital tricksters.
Let’s dive into the USPS's advice on how you can better protect yourself and your inbox from these scammers.
Imagine receiving a text message that says, “I’m in trouble…,” “I need…,” or “You’ve won…!” Sounds suspicious, right? These are the exact phrases scammers often use to lure you in.
According to Eric Shen, Inspector in Charge of the USPS Criminal Investigations Group, these messages are designed to create a false sense of trust.
Before you know it, you could be sharing sensitive details and giving away your hard-earned money to these criminals.
Imposter scams are becoming more common and more advanced.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2023 alone, at least 2.6 million consumers lost a total of $10 billion to fraud—an almost 21% increase from the year before.
These scammers often pretend to be someone you know and trust, like a family member in distress or a representative from your bank.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. USPS and financial institutions like Chase Bank offer valuable advice for avoiding these scams:
At The GrayVine, we believe that sharing knowledge is a powerful tool. By spreading the word about these scams, we can build a network of informed individuals who are ready to spot and stop scammers in their tracks.
Read next: USPS under fire: Lawmaker blasts mail delivery failures!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you experienced a scam attempt recently? Or do you have any additional tips on how to spot and avoid fraud? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
Every text and email can bring important news—or, unfortunately, deceptive schemes.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a crucial warning that could be the key to protecting your personal information and finances.
As part of National Consumer Protection Week, USPS is shedding light on a dangerous trend: scam texts that start with a very specific three-word phrase.
We, at The GrayVine, want to help you stay one step ahead of these digital tricksters.
Let’s dive into the USPS's advice on how you can better protect yourself and your inbox from these scammers.
USPS warns of growing scam trend targeting consumers with deceptive messages. Image Source: Pexels / Ekaterina Belinskaya.
The Three-Word Warning Sign
Imagine receiving a text message that says, “I’m in trouble…,” “I need…,” or “You’ve won…!” Sounds suspicious, right? These are the exact phrases scammers often use to lure you in.
According to Eric Shen, Inspector in Charge of the USPS Criminal Investigations Group, these messages are designed to create a false sense of trust.
Before you know it, you could be sharing sensitive details and giving away your hard-earned money to these criminals.
Also read: Dream or disaster? How a bride’s dream wedding turned into a scam
The Rise of Imposter Scams
Imposter scams are becoming more common and more advanced.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2023 alone, at least 2.6 million consumers lost a total of $10 billion to fraud—an almost 21% increase from the year before.
These scammers often pretend to be someone you know and trust, like a family member in distress or a representative from your bank.
Also read: Protect your money: How a Chicago couple lost $4,500 to a vicious tap-and-pay scam–and how you can avoid the same fate!
How to Shield Yourself from Scammers
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. USPS and financial institutions like Chase Bank offer valuable advice for avoiding these scams:
- Pause and Reflect: If you receive an unexpected message asking for money or personal information, take a moment to think. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Verify the Source: If the message claims to be from a trusted source—like a family member or bank—call them directly using a known and trusted number to verify the information, not the number given in the text.
- Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. These could lead you to phishing sites designed to steal your information.
- Confirm Unexpected Funds: If you receive unexpected money, reach out to your bank directly before taking any further action.
- Protect Your Devices: Never grant remote access to your device to someone you don’t know, and be cautious of strangers offering help at ATMs.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive an unsolicited text or email claiming to be from USPS, forward it to [email protected] before deleting it. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it using the USPS’s online reporting system.
At The GrayVine, we believe that sharing knowledge is a powerful tool. By spreading the word about these scams, we can build a network of informed individuals who are ready to spot and stop scammers in their tracks.
Read next: USPS under fire: Lawmaker blasts mail delivery failures!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you experienced a scam attempt recently? Or do you have any additional tips on how to spot and avoid fraud? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
