The United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a warning about a scam involving text messages with unfamiliar URLs claiming to be about a delivery from USPS. This scam, known as smishing, is a form of phishing where scammers attempt to trick recipients into sharing personal or financial information. The scammers often pose as government agencies, banks, or other companies to deceive individuals into providing sensitive data such as account usernames and passwords, Social Security numbers, date of birth, and credit and debit card numbers.
USPIS emphasized that USPS offers free tools for tracking specific packages, but customers must register online or initiate a text message with a tracking number. USPS does not charge for these services and will not send customers text messages or emails without a customer first requesting the service with a tracking number. Therefore, individuals should be cautious of any text messages claiming to be from USPS that contain a link, especially if they did not initiate the tracking request directly through USPS. In such cases, individuals are advised not to click on the link and to report the incident to USPS.
To report smishing incidents, individuals are instructed to copy the body of the text message and send it to spam@uspis.gov without clicking on any links. They should also provide their name and a screenshot of the text message showing the phone number of the sender and the date it was sent. If individuals have been impacted by the scam, such as clicking on the link, losing money, providing personal information, or having their credit affected, they are encouraged to share this information in their report.
It is important for individuals to exercise caution when receiving text messages from unfamiliar sources, especially ones claiming to be from reputable organizations like USPS. By being vigilant and avoiding clicking on suspicious links, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to scams that aim to steal personal and financial information. By reporting suspicious messages to USPS, individuals can help prevent others from being targeted by similar scams and contribute to efforts to combat fraudulent activities.
By raising awareness about smishing scams and providing guidance on how to report suspicious messages, USPS is taking steps to protect its customers from falling victim to fraudulent activities. By following the recommended steps for reporting suspicious text messages and avoiding clicking on potentially harmful links, individuals can safeguard their personal and financial information from scammers. It is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and cautious when interacting with unfamiliar communication, especially when it involves requests for sensitive information.
