This Public Service Announcement is courtesy of Absolutely Postal
Smishing is when you receive unsolicited, fraudulent texts posing as major carriers like USPS, asking for credit card information to redeliver a package.
Smishing poses a significant threat to individuals’ privacy and financial security. These fraudulent text messages, often disguised as official major carriers and USPS communications, aim to trick recipients into divulging sensitive personal information or clicking on malicious links.
With the rise of online shopping and package deliveries, shipping smishing has become a prevalent tactic used by cybercriminals to exploit people’s reliance on shipping services. The messages typically include urgent alerts about undelivered packages or requests for payment for
supposed shipping fees, creating a sense of urgency and coercing recipients into taking immediate action.
The consequences of falling victim to smishing can be severe, ranging from identity theft to financial loss and malware infection. Despite efforts to raise awareness and educate the public about these scams, many individuals still fall prey to them due to their convincing nature and the pressure to act quickly.
To combat smishing, a coordinated effort involving the major carriers, law enforcement agencies, and telecommunications providers is essential.
In today’s digital age, vigilance is paramount. By remaining skeptical of unsolicited messages, verifying the authenticity of communications, and reporting suspicious activity, individuals can help mitigate the risks posed by shipping smishing and safeguard their personal information.
To report USPS-related smishing:
Visit the United States Postal Inspection Service® smishing page at: www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing/ for additional information and reporting steps.
For UPS Fraud information visit:
www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/legal-terms-conditions/fight-fraud.page
For FedEx-related Fraud information go to:
www.fedex.com/en-us/report-fraud.html
Complaints of non-USPS smishing can also be sent to the following law enforcement agencies:
The Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3) at: www.ic3.gov/Home/ComplaintChoice
Take your time, be vigilant, and stay safe!
You can always contact us here at Absolutely Postal, your friendly neighborhood postal store for more questions as well: (760) 892-9955
