Beware of Holiday Shipping Notification Scams

• Never click on unverified links sent to you over text: Some of these links don’t even need you to input your personal information for them to be able to steal delicate information from you, according to a report from the USPS Inspection Service. There is advanced software that allows cybercriminals to grab data stored in your phone and login details by simply clicking on the malicious link.
• Make sure the URL exactly matches the official website: This is a simpler one. If the message claims to be from USPS, the link should read “usps.com” in its URL. If it’s from FedEx, the URL should read fedex.com and so on.
• USPS will not initiate a message: Unless you asked or initiated a request with USPS, they will not send you a package-tracking text message or email. They will also not contain links, so if you get one, ignore it.
• Never give out your personal information over text: If you have not verified that the messenger is who they say they are, never send any personal information to them, including name, address, or banking information. One way to verify is simply calling the company or organization’s official customer service number instead of engaging directly with the text message.
• Keep track of your shipments: To avoid getting caught off-guard, get organized with your orders. If you know you have one on the way, know when it’s supposed to arrive and check the status from the original source. Don’t follow links from messages or emails. If you keep the original records, you’ll also know when a fake order or tracking number is being used to trick you.