Your phone pings, alerting you to a new text. You swipe to find a message from the USPS. It tells you the scheduled delivery for your package has been changed, and they want you to click on a link to confirm. Just one click, and they'll do it. Stop! Don't click that link! If you receive a text like this, you are likely looking at a scam. Here's what you need to know about the USPS smishing text scam.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is warning of an uptick in smishing scams that use the USPS as a cover. If the victim clicks on a link in a message like the one described above, they'll download malware, giving the scammer access to their device and personal info.
Stay ahead of this scam by knowing this simple fact: The USPS never sends unsolicited text messages about deliveries. You'll only get a message from them if you've signed up for alerts about a package's delivery. If you haven't, and you still receive a message about a scheduled delivery change, you're looking at a scam.
Please do your part to stop the scammers by reporting it to the proper authorities.
First, email a screenshot of the text to spam@uspis.gov. Make sure your screenshot shows the sender's number and the date they sent it. You'll also need to include your name in the email so the team can reach you if necessary, along with any other relevant details about the scam. You can also report the scam to the FTC.gov.
Now you know the USPS text-smashing scam and how to protect yourself. If you get one, report it and check your credit. Every bit of information scammers can get is a little closer to stealing your identity. If you like this post, check out our MoneySmart Tips Blog.