USPS Scam Alert: Don’t Fall for This Text!

Online purchases have become an essential part of life. However, because of such transactions, the possibility of scams is higher than ever. My Computer Works understands that it is time to be very cautious about these digital thieves, especially where one of their more common frauds is involved: the USPS text scam. 

With millions of people shopping online and depending upon package tracking to get products delivered at the right time, it is easy for scammers to take advantage of this necessity and dupe the unwary user with smishing scams.

The stakes are higher during the heavy shopping seasons, like over the holidays, where people may be more likely to overlook some minor detail in a message. The proliferation of these scams raises the ante on being informed to avoid falling prey. Here’s what you need to know to identify a USPS text scam and keep your personal information safe.

Why Are USPS Text Scams So Effective?

USPS text scams are effective because they exploit the high volume of online shopping and package tracking. These scams often mimic legitimate USPS notifications, catching recipients off guard with realistic language and familiar branding. People are more likely to click on these links since they’re accustomed to tracking deliveries and may worry about package delays or missed deliveries. 

Additionally, scammers use urgent language, creating a sense of immediate action, which lowers recipients’ caution. Combined with realistic links or sender IDs, these factors make USPS scams convincing and lead unsuspecting individuals to click on malicious links or provide sensitive personal information.

Alarming Growth in USPS Text Scams: Recent News and Stats

Recent news and stats reports from the Federal Trade Commission show package delivery scams increased nearly 100% in 2022. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service underlined the heightened incidence of texts or emails trying to capture personal or financial information linked with many of these scams as the cause. 

The operations of online fraudsters have become refined, guaranteeing that their fake notifications closely resemble the plethora of legitimate ones. This makes learning how to recognize and avoid such scams all the more important.

Recognizing the Typical Format of a USPS Scam Message

USPS scam texts usually follow something of a formula, so familiarize yourself with the signs. These fake messages will be worded like: “Your package is on hold. Please update your delivery details,” or “Action required for your package delivery. Click here to confirm your information.” These statements sound valid at face value but are designed to get you to act immediately and compromise your personal information.

With these text message scams, a link that appears like a USPS tracking page is usually forwarded, but it takes one to a phishing site built and designed to steal personal data. Other versions might talk about a “re-delivery fee” or ask you to “verify your information” to take delivery of your package. 

The scammer is trying to trick you into clicking the link, and once you have done so, your sensitive information, such as names, addresses, or even credit card details, falls into their trap. Knowing these patterns means you stay ahead of the scammers online.

What’s the Scammer’s End Game?

In fraud cases, scammers want one thing: your personal and financial information. Once you click on a fraudulent link from the USPS site, you may be asked to fill in information such as name, address, or credit card information. 

These demands seem reasonable since you want your package delivered. If you hand over this information, scammers may use it to commit identity theft, make unauthorized transactions, or, sadly, sell your data on the black market.

Other scammers may go further and include malware with these links; by clicking on that link, it could start the download of that malware and install itself secretly on your device. It can then screen-capture sensitive data, such as passwords and login credentials, or allow scammers access to your digital activity. 

The result is an open window for further financial theft, data breaches, and long-term security issues. Understanding their end game helps illustrate why recognizing and avoiding these scams is critical.

Spotting the Red Flags: Common Characteristics of Scam Texts

You need to always remember scam texts are convincingly crafted, but of course, there are common warning signs to help you distinguish them from the real ones:

• Generic language: An authentic communication would name you specifically. On the other hand, scam USPS texts use general greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “User,” indicating that they are mass-sent messages intended to dupe as many people as possible.
• Sense of urgency: Phrases like “Action Required” or “Immediate Response Needed” exist to make you panic. This tactic makes you act before you can deliberate on the situation, which is exactly what scammers are counting on.
• Suspicious links: Consider any URLs in the message. This is a huge warning flag if they are a string of indiscriminate characters or just don’t look right. Legitimate links from the USPS will ALWAYS be based on a “USPS.com” domain address. Anything otherwise should be suspect.
• Grammatical errors: While many scams are becoming more polished, errors in grammar and spelling are still common in scam texts. Companies make sure to come across clearly and professionally in their communication.
• Unsolicited requests for payment: The USPS will never request a fee to deliver again via text message. Any message asking for this through unofficial channels must be flagged immediately.

If you stay alert and watch out for these red flags, you won’t fall prey to scams. 

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Text

Here are a few tips about what to do if you receive a suspicious text and suspect it is a USPS scam:

• Don’t click on any links: Follow the usual rules, and never click on any link in suspicious text.
• Delete the message: The safest approach is to delete the message immediately.
• Report the scam: You can report such messages to your mobile carrier simply by forwarding the message to 7726, which spells SPAM.
• Contact the USPS directly: For suspicious correspondence, check on usps.com or contact official customer service.

Proactive Tips for Staying Safe from Scams

Better safe than sorry is the general idea for keeping safe from scammers and false USPS texts. Since prevention is the best gift you can give yourself to avoid scams altogether, the following is a proactive approach to take:

• Verify the sender: Respond only to messages from an identified source of USPS.
• Do not share personal information: Legitimate USPS communications will never ask for your personal or financial information via text.
• Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA for all your accounts to introduce another layer of security.
• Check Your bank statements regularly: You are supposed to monitor your statements for anything unusual, particularly shortly after obtaining a suspicious message.
• Awareness: Share information with your friends and close family about the various types of scams so that they can protect themselves. 

What Genuine USPS Communication Looks Like

The best way to know if you see a scam is to know how the real thing works. USPS is fairly transparent about its communication through its website, usps.com, and an app. That is where the company updates information accurately and securely on package tracking and deliveries. 

It also provides informed delivery services, which enable users to view their daily mail and manage packages through legitimate emails. It is a secure way to be well-informed and not fall into the hands of fraudulent messages via text or email.

The Wrap-Up On USPS Scams

In today’s world, where ‘track the package’ and online shopping have become everyday things, people are supposed to be more aware of their surroundings. Scams like the one involving the USPS text prey on our expectations and urgency, making it easier to catch people off guard. 

At My Computer Works, we want you to provide the safest online experience proactively. If you think a message is suspicious, don’t click it; report it instead. Being aware, becoming informed, and being proactive will protect you online. For any further information or specific advice on how to keep your technology safe, please contact My Computer Works today.