Did you get a text about a package delivery coming to the house? If you didn’t, someone you know probably did.
It is one of the biggest scams going on right now. The text is a notice about a delivery issue. You’re asked to respond and click on a link to find out more. Could you tell the real texts from the fakes?
Take a look at three common package delivery texts reported by consumers. Two are scams. Can you spot which text is real?
The first text involves a payment problem with UPS and comes from a 714 area code:
“Hi Olivia. Your shipment requires a delivery fee. Proceed to pay now to avoid delivery delay. Visit https:ups-express.click.”
The second text supposedly comes from the US Postal Service with reply options:
“You have successfully subscribed to USPS Text Tracking. Reply HELP 4 help. Reply STOP to cancel. USPS Tracking 93463620807027*******”
The third text is about a shipping issue with FedEx and comes from an area code beginning with a 67.
“FedEx: Your package has been delayed due to an issue with your shipping address. Please update your information here: (link included)”
So which text is real and why?
The first text from UPS… is fake.
UPS says legitimate texts come from the numbers “94601”, “69877”, or “48515”
They say real texts clearly state the delivery status and estimated time and they will never ask for payment or personal information through a link.
The third text from FedEx is also fake.
FedEx says a real text would address you by name, list package specifics and won’t ask for action through a link.
They advise checking tracking numbers with the official FedEx website.
And the fake text sender area code of 67 is likely from out of the United States.
So, it’s the third example from USPS that is legitimate.
While it asks for a reply, there is no link to click. USPS says legitimate postal service texts will never contain a link. And legit texts will always include tracking numbers.
Be careful what you click on
The Better Business Bureau is seeing so many of these scams, I wouldn’t click on any package delivery texts.
Instead, if you have an account with the company, log in and check for issues. You can also find the real website online and contact customer service there.
Check out more ways to protect yourself from scams at joeknowsbetter.com.
https://bbb.org/local/1126/joe-knows-better
Find out all the ways Better Business Bureau protects you at bbb.org where you can check ScamTracker for scams in your area and trust BBB Accredited businesses when hiring.
(Courtesy images)
