Beware of “We Found a Package Owed to You” Text Message Scam
My friend Sherry received this text message this week. Given the frequency with which I have seen similar screenshots floating around social media, a lot of people have. If you got a message like this too (or do sometime in the near future), whatever you do, DON'T click that link. This is a phishing scam.
You may remember when news broke earlier this year about a "FedEx" scam. Now, it seems that generic "delivery" messages are being sent from random numbers. But, these types of scams have been around for years actually. In fact, way back in 2014 the Federal Trade Commission warned cell phone users about such text message scams.
Sherry warns that you need to be on your toes. The messages come from a variety of numbers. You should just assume that every single one of them is a fake. Other folks have chimed in with advice too.
Heather McGrew hit the nail on the head when she commented on Sherry's Facebook post. She said. "I think I would know if I had a package missing." Heather's point is, well, on point. Delivery companies like FedEx, Amazon, UPS, DHL and more are not going to contact you in this manner if there is a problem with your package. You may get a delivery notice from them via text, but that will be an update on an actual package you ordered. If you don't remember ordering a package, chances are you didn't.
Sherry's daughter, Bethany, offered some sound advice for anyone who gets a message like this. She says, " . . . never click it. I just delete it and block it or report it as phishing."
Here's are the three steps the Federal Trade Commission recommends you take in the event you are receiving this type of spam
- Immediately block the number that sent you the message.
- Copy the message and paste it into a new text message conversation.
- Send the copy and pasted message to 7726 (SPAM)