Scammers are posing as USPS—here’s how to spot the warning signs
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As digital transactions and home deliveries become more common, so do the risks that come with them.
A new scam is making the rounds, disguising itself as a routine message about a package issue.
Authorities are now warning that engaging with these messages could expose sensitive personal and financial details.
The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has issued a warning about a growing number of "smishing" scams—a form of phishing that uses text messages to steal sensitive information.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022 alone, highlighting the increasing danger of these schemes.
The latest scam targets consumers with fake USPS delivery alerts.
Victims receive a text claiming their package could not be delivered due to an invalid ZIP code and are asked to confirm their information via a provided link.
Clicking on the link could install malware on your device or direct you to a counterfeit website designed to steal login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive data.
One of the fake USPS messages circulating reads:
"USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and could not be delivered due to an invalid zip code address being detected. Please confirm the zip code address information link."
The red flags in these messages include:
The USPIS, in collaboration with National Consumer Protection Week, has provided clear steps to help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams:
If you believe you’ve been scammed, act immediately by contacting your bank or credit card provider to protect your accounts and monitor for fraudulent activity.
For many consumers, especially those less familiar with online scams, the idea of falling victim to digital fraud can be unsettling.
USPS is one of the most trusted institutions in the US, making it an attractive target for scammers looking to exploit that trust.
By staying informed, you can avoid these scams and help protect your personal information.
We invite you to share your experiences and tips on avoiding scams in the comments below. Have you encountered a smishing attempt? How did you handle it? Your insights could be invaluable to fellow readers.
A new scam is making the rounds, disguising itself as a routine message about a package issue.
Authorities are now warning that engaging with these messages could expose sensitive personal and financial details.
The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has issued a warning about a growing number of "smishing" scams—a form of phishing that uses text messages to steal sensitive information.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022 alone, highlighting the increasing danger of these schemes.
The latest scam targets consumers with fake USPS delivery alerts.
Victims receive a text claiming their package could not be delivered due to an invalid ZIP code and are asked to confirm their information via a provided link.
Clicking on the link could install malware on your device or direct you to a counterfeit website designed to steal login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive data.
One of the fake USPS messages circulating reads:
"USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and could not be delivered due to an invalid zip code address being detected. Please confirm the zip code address information link."
The red flags in these messages include:
- A sense of urgency to act immediately
- Requests for personal information
- A link that does not lead to an official USPS domain
- Poor grammar or awkward phrasing in the message
The USPIS, in collaboration with National Consumer Protection Week, has provided clear steps to help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Do not click any links or respond to suspicious messages.
- Report the scam by forwarding the text to 7726 (SPAM).
- Email the USPIS at [email protected] with a copy of the message and a screenshot showing the sender’s number.
- Block the sender on your phone to prevent future scam messages.
- Verify tracking information directly on the official USPS website instead of clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
If you believe you’ve been scammed, act immediately by contacting your bank or credit card provider to protect your accounts and monitor for fraudulent activity.
For many consumers, especially those less familiar with online scams, the idea of falling victim to digital fraud can be unsettling.
USPS is one of the most trusted institutions in the US, making it an attractive target for scammers looking to exploit that trust.
By staying informed, you can avoid these scams and help protect your personal information.
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