As the holiday shopping season peaks, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the increased online activity through fake delivery text scams. Disguised as urgent notifications from couriers like USPS and FedEx, these scams aim to steal personal and financial information. USPS has issued a warning about these “smishing” attacks, highlighting their growing prevalence during this busy season.
How Fake Delivery Scams Work
A recent CNET survey shows that 66% of US adults are concerned about being scammed during the holidays, with fake delivery notifications ranking as a top threat. These fraudulent messages create urgency, urging recipients to act impulsively. According to Brian Cute of the Global Cyber Alliance, this sense of urgency is key to their success.
Victims typically receive texts claiming issues with their package and are directed to click a link to resolve them. These links lead to malicious websites designed to mimic legitimate courier services, tricking users into providing private information or downloading harmful software. The spike in online shopping makes both seasoned shoppers and those unfamiliar with these tactics potential targets.
Many scam messages stem from previous data breaches. Cybercriminals use personal information leaked on the dark web to craft convincing messages. Richard Bird of Traceable AI notes that breaches involving companies like National Public Data and Change Healthcare have exposed sensitive data of millions.
Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence allow scammers to create highly realistic fake messages, making them harder to detect. Poor grammar, typos, and generic greetings are becoming less common in these scams, adding to their effectiveness.
How to Protect Yourself
Staying vigilant is essential to avoid falling victim to these scams. Here are some key tips:
- Be cautious of texts or emails from unknown sources, especially those with urgent requests.
- Verify suspicious links or messages directly on the courier’s official website.
- Check for red flags like poor grammar, typos, or unexpected requests for payment.
- Always confirm whether you’ve signed up for tracking notifications before clicking on links.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you believe you’ve encountered a scam, take immediate action:
- Contact your financial institution to report potential fraud and secure your accounts.
- Report the scam to relevant authorities such as the FCC, FTC, or FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Use courier-specific contacts, like spam@uspis.gov for USPS or abuse@fedex.com for FedEx.
Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized access to your financial data. Monitor your bank statements regularly for unusual activity. For added security, identity theft protection services bundled with cybersecurity tools can help detect and prevent misuse of your information.
Awareness and vigilance are your best defenses against fake delivery text scams. By following these tips and staying informed, you can shop with confidence and protect yourself from falling prey to cybercriminals this holiday season.
