The holiday season brings cheer and generosity—but also a rise in scams. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is urging customers to stay vigilant against “smishing,” a scam that targets unsuspecting gift senders and recipients. Fraudulent texts disguised as package tracking alerts are tricking people into clicking malicious links, giving scammers access to personal and financial information.
Smishing, a form of phishing, mimics messages from reputable sources like USPS. These deceptive texts often include fake tracking links, luring victims into revealing sensitive data. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service stresses that USPS never sends unsolicited tracking texts or emails. Real tracking updates are always user-initiated and never include clickable links.
This scam is especially rampant during the holidays, as the surge in package deliveries creates a perfect cover. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, making their messages appear legitimate. The Federal Communications Commission reports a troubling rise in these attacks, with many falling victim to cleverly disguised schemes.
Protecting yourself is crucial. Never click on unsolicited tracking links. Instead, report suspicious messages to spam@uspis.gov with screenshots and sender details. You can also forward texts to 7726 (SPAM) to aid in tracking scam numbers. Staying cautious can shield you from identity theft and financial loss.
The consequences of falling for smishing can be severe—stolen identities, drained accounts, and damaged credit. While authorities are working to combat these schemes, prevention starts with awareness. This season, stay informed, stay alert, and ensure your holiday remains a time of giving, not grieving.
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2024/12/17/smishing-phishing-package-scam-usps/77050932007/
https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams