Porch Pirates Were Already Bad Enough

Did you recently get a text message from the post office (USPS)?

Get our free mobile app

Did it say something about a package for you? One that arrived for you but now it's going to get sent back?

Did it look something like this?

And you're thinking to yourself, what package have I not received? Chances are you've ordered a fair amount of stuff and maybe you think you just forgot or lost track. Or maybe you got the message right after you ordered something like this person.

But wait a minute. How did the Postal Service get your cell phone number? And why are they texting you about a package you barely remember? With no tracking number, product description, or information?

Because it's a scam!

SMISHING and DON'T CLICK ON THAT LINK

You've heard of phishing right? Now, welcome to SMISHING .

Smishing is a form of phishing that involves a text message or phone number. Victims will typically receive a deceptive text message that is intended to lure the recipient into providing their personal or financial information. These scammers often attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank, or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims. (USPIS)

Whatever you do folks, DON'T CLICK THAT LINK

The Post Office is not going to call or text you that way about something like this.

USPS will not send customers text messages or e-mails without a customer first requesting the service with a tracking number, and it will NOT contain a link. So, if you did not initiate the tracking request for a specific package directly from USPS and it contains a link: don’t click the link! (USPIS)

To protect yourself and others from consumer frauds, visit their fraud prevention page: www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-fraud/.  (USPIS)

Find out more about SMISHING here.

KEEP READING: These are the top 6 scams connected to the pandemic

MICHIGAN CRIME SCENE: Look Inside the Abandoned 'Jeepers Creepers' Schoolhouse

 

 

More From 99.1 WFMK