These sneaky shipping notification text scams could drain your bank account

Scammers are getting better at tricking people, especially during busy times. As the holidays come and people wait for packages from Black Friday or Christmas shopping, scammers use this time to confuse and trick people with shipping scams.

If you get a text or email that looks like it’s from the United States Postal Service (USPS) or any other shipping company, and it has a link, be careful. These types of scam messages have been increasing since May and are expected to continue rising through the holiday season.

How do shipping message scams work?

Credit: How-To Geek – Other

Shipping scam messages often look like real updates from the USPS or another shipping company. They might say your package will be sent back to the sender or delayed because they need more of your address or a payment.

The message will include a link that looks real. If you click on it, you might be taken to a page that looks just like the official USPS site, where you’ll be asked to enter your contact or banking information.

Not all scam messages are the same, but they usually look official, make you feel rushed, and ask for your personal information or payment details to cover a delivery fee.

How to stay safe from shipping message scams

To keep safe from shipping scams during the busy shopping season, follow these tips:

1. Check that the URL matches the official website exactly

This is easy to do. If the message says it’s from USPS, make sure the link includes “usps.com” in the URL. If it’s from FedEx, the URL should include “fedex.com,” and so on.

2. Never click on links in texts that you haven’t verified

Some links can steal your sensitive information without you having to enter any personal details, as reported by the USPS Inspection Service. Cybercriminals use advanced software that can take information stored on your phone, including login details, just by you clicking on a harmful link.

3. USPS won’t send you tracking messages unless you ask

USPS doesn’t start conversations with package-tracking texts or emails. Also, their messages don’t have links. If you get a message like this, ignore it.

4. Never share your personal info through text

If you’re not sure who’s messaging you, don’t give out any personal details like your name, address, or banking information. A safe way to check is by calling the company’s official customer service number instead of replying to the text.

5. Keep track of your packages

Stay organized with your orders to avoid surprises. Know when your packages are due and check their status through the original seller, not through links in messages or emails. Keeping your original order information helps you spot fake orders or tracking numbers that scammers might use to deceive you.