Texts from USPS, FedEx, or UPS could be a scam

One of the most recent rackets, according to the Better Business Bureau, is a text scam that purports to be from a mail carrier like UPS, FedEx, or the United States Postal Service (USPS).

These messages, which have already hit thousands of phones across the country, “inform” the person on the other end that they have an overdue package waiting for them.

They say if you want to get your package delivered, you need to click on a link that—whoops!—actually exposes your phone to harmful malware.

Fraud is, amongst other things, a volume business, in which scammers target a wide swath of consumers in hopes of tricking a few victims.

The other way this text scam works is to get victims to click on an attached link, which sends them to a form asking them to enter personal information (like bank account info) in order to receive a non-existent package.

It’s important to keep in mind if you never received a confirmation email, or the text claims the package is a gift from an anonymous sender, call UPS, FedEx, or USPS directly to see if you’re being had.

Keep track of the receipts and shipping information, and as you probably already know most stores will provide information in your order about who the shipping carrier is and when the package is expected to be shipped.

If the text message addresses you with a generic “dear customer,” that’s another red flag. But don’t assume someone who got your name right can be trusted.

Still be cautious, if the text or email asking you to click on links or provide personal information? If this is a legitimate package issue, they will already know your information and it will just be an update.