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7 signs to identify a fraudulent text message.

20 March 2025

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3 min

7 signs to identify a fraudulent text message.
In this digital age, scammers are improving the techniques and “stories” they use to trick you and steal your information with alarming speed. One of the most recent scams involves impersonating legitimate entities such as the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), with text messages to fraudulently request your personal information and illegally take your data. 
 
When you receive a text message from supposed shipping companies, be alert for these 7 signs that will help you identify whether the text is a scam:  
  • You receive text messages you didn’t sign up for: Neither the USPS nor shipping companies  send texts if you didn’t sign up for this option. The only way they can text you is if you choose to receive updates to monitor packages you’re expecting.  
  • The text does not include a tracking number, thus forcing you to click on its link: Even if it includes a tracking number, be suspicious and go directly to the company’s official website to confirm the authenticity of the tracking number provided. Don’t click on the link they sent.
  • The sender’s information is suspicious: Scam messages often come from email addresses, phone numbers or URLs that look suspicious or don’t match the supposed sender’s official contact details. 
  • Urgency and threats: Scammers typically create a sense of urgency for you to respond. For example, by insisting a package can’t be delivered unless you act quickly, they’re hoping you’ll give them your personal information or click on a link without thinking much about it. Don’t do it!
  • Grammatical and spelling errors: Grammatical and spelling errors are good indications that the message may be fraudulent.
  • Requesting personal information: Legitimate businesses do not request sensitive information (such as payment details or logon credentials) through less secure platforms such as SMS or email.
  • Slightly off or strange URLs: Links in scam messages often lead to websites that mimic the appearance of legitimate companies. Therefore, you must look carefully at the URLs, as fraudulent ones differ very little from official company websites. 
Remember, this happens with ALL shipping companies. Therefore, you must always be alert.  Important tip: If you know you don’t have any packages on the way, dismiss the message and delete it immediately.  

Don’t buy the story – avoid fraud on the spot!

The contents in this section are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not apply to all types of situations. The contents should not be construed as any type of advice or suggestion to take (or refrain from taking) any particular action, as it does not include or take into account all factors that may be relevant to your individual needs.

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