USPS Raises Alarm on Smishing Scams

As the holiday season approaches, millions of greeting cards and gift packages are set to flow through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), creating a ripe opportunity for scammers. In a concerning trend, the USPS has raised the alarm on an emerging scam known as 'smishing,' which melds phishing tactics with text messaging.

What is Smishing?

So, what exactly is smishing? This deceptive practice typically involves text messages claiming an issue with your package delivery. Recipients often receive messages suggesting that they must provide additional information to resolve a delivery problem. Don’t be fooled—these links are fraudulent.

USPS's Warning to Customers

The USPS has highlighted that they will never send direct texts to customers regarding package issues. Instead, many of these scams masquerade as legitimate entities, such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies, making requests for sensitive personal information, including account numbers and passwords.

Expert Advice

Natashi Garvins from USPS strongly advises against responding to these messages, stating, 'These types of correspondences are designed to extract personal data from customers.' It’s vital to remember that the Postal Service never seeks personal information via text, email, or phone calls.

Protective Measures from USPS

As a protective measure, the USPS does offer legitimate tracking options for customers which are free of charge. One useful service is text tracking, where customers can sign up for notifications on their package's journey. Another option is called Informed Delivery, where users receive emails detailing their incoming mail and packages as they are scanned. Interested customers can easily sign up by visiting the official USPS website.

Conclusion

Garvins stressed the reliability of these services, saying, 'Informed Delivery messages will never ask for personal information like credit card details.' Stay vigilant this holiday season! Don’t let scammers take advantage of your festive spirit—always verify the source before providing any personal information. Protect yourself and your loved ones from these malicious schemes. Your awareness is the best defense!