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By Kate Nalepinski
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The U.S. Postal Inspection Service's new tips for avoiding scams coincide with the rise of a scheme that targets consumers through fraudulent text messages impersonating the U.S. Postal Service.
Why It Matters
Americans lose billions of dollars each year to scammers. Roughly $8.8 billion was stolen due to fraud in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
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What To Know
Fraudulent messages, known as "smishing" scams, are a growing threat. Smishing is a form of phishing that involves text messages designed to steal personal information. These messages often impersonate trusted entities like government agencies or banks, attempting to trick recipients into revealing account credentials, Social Security numbers, or financial details.
Consumers are now being scammed by text messages claiming that a USPS package is undeliverable due to an invalid ZIP code. The fraudulent links in smishing texts may install malware or redirect users to fake websites that harvest sensitive data, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The USPIS, the self-described "law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service," aims to secure the nation's mail system.
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As part of the grassroots campaign National Consumer Protection Week, which runs March 2 to 8, the USPIS has launched an informational page detailing how to identify and avoid scams.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has released a podcast on imposter scams, which discusses real-life scam cases and provides prevention tips.
USPIS officials stress that the USPS does not send unsolicited text messages about delivery problems. In a press release, Eric Shen of the USPIS Criminal Investigations Group emphasized that scammers "lull consumers into a false sense of trust, gain access to privileged information, and then drain financial accounts."
What Does The USPS Scam Text Say?
One USPS scam text obtained by Newsweek reads: "USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and could not be delivered due to an invalid zip code address being detected. Please confirm the zip code address information link."
The message contains a fake link that, when clicked, can compromise users' personal information.
Security experts warn that scammers frequently change their messaging tactics, but red flags often include poor grammar, a sense of urgency, and links that do not direct to official USPS domains.
What To Do If You Receive a Scam Text
The USPIS advises consumers to take the following steps if they receive a suspicious text message:
- Do not click any links or respond to the message.
- Report the scam by forwarding the text to 7726 (SPAM).
- Report to USPIS by emailing spam@uspis.gov with a copy of the message and a screenshot showing the sender's number and date sent.
- Block the sender on your phone to prevent future messages.
- Verify tracking information by visiting the official USPS website rather than clicking on links in messages.
Consumers who believe they may have fallen victim to a scam should immediately contact their bank or credit card provider to secure their accounts and monitor for fraudulent activity.
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