Beware of Text Message Scams Targeting Packages
There is a new scam on the rise, and it’s coming straight to your phone. Known as “smishing,” this form of fraud involves sending unsolicited text messages to mobile devices in an attempt to obtain personal and banking information. Scammers often pose as government agencies, businesses you have interacted with, or package delivery services. They lure victims by offering a free gift that requires a small shipping fee or by warning about suspicious activity on their accounts.
Amy Nofziger, the director of fraud victim support with AARP, warns that scammers often impersonate banks, claiming there is a security breach and urging recipients to click a link to verify their information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that smishing scams cost Americans $330 million in 2022, with a median loss of $1,000.
One reason why these scams are successful is that people are conditioned to pay immediate attention to their phones. Nofziger explains, “We have our devices with us 24/7. And when we hear that little ‘Ding!’ we automatically look at it. Whereas we don’t do that as much with our email anymore.”
In package-related smishing scams, the messages may appear harmless, such as one claiming that home delivery is impossible due to a missing house number. The FTC shared an example where recipients were asked to pay a “redelivery fee” to provide their credit card information.
Nofziger advises consumers to be cautious, especially during the holiday season when package orders are more frequent. She suggests keeping a record of orders, including the company’s name and the expected package delivery service. If in doubt, Nofziger advises calling the company directly instead of relying on a text message.
Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz, lead cybersecurity faculty at the University of Phoenix College of Business and Information Technology, emphasizes the importance of contacting companies through their official websites or phone numbers rather than sharing personal information through suspicious links.
To identify a smishing message, Nofziger advises looking out for texts sent to multiple recipients, requests for personal information in unsolicited messages, and a sense of urgency that requires immediate action.
To protect yourself from smishing messages, you can block or filter unknown senders on your phone. Nofziger recommends using this feature to give yourself a moment to evaluate the message before taking any action. Smishing messages can also be reported to the relevant authorities, such as the USPS or the FTC.
If you have already fallen victim to a smishing scam, Nofziger suggests getting your computer checked for malware and contacting your bank to report any fraudulent transactions or security breaches. It is important to report scams promptly to the financial institution or organization involved and consider reaching out to the state attorney general’s office as well.
Stay vigilant and remember to verify any suspicious messages before taking any action.
