USPS Warns AZ Residents: ‘Alarming New Scamp Wipes Out Bank Accounts’
Scams have existed for millennia. The earliest known scam happened in 300 B.C. when a Greek sea merchant got an insurance policy on his ship and cargo. The policy allowed merchants to borrow money if they agreed to pay it back with interest after the cargo was delivered.
The insurers could repossess the ship and cargo if the loan wasn't paid. The merchant thought he would get one over on the insurers, so he sank his empty ship and planned to pocket the loan money.
The plan was uncovered when someone caught him in the act of sinking his empty vessel. He met with a tragic end when he drowned while attempting to flee the scene of the crime.
A New Smishing Scam Targeting Text Messages
The urge of one person or group to separate unsuspecting folks from their money never goes away. The means and methods of perpetrating a scam become more sophisticated over time.
READ: Arizona Police Issue Urgent Warning on Bank Jugging Scam
Hang on to your cell phone because a new text messaging scam is making the rounds. The scam targets unsuspecting cell phone users with text messages.
The messages appear to come from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Since many of us shop online these days and get text alerts regarding delivery updates, this scam is particularly sneaky because it preys on those updates.
How the New Smishing Scam Works
Here’s how it works: You get a text message claiming an issue with your USPS package delivery. The message includes a link, which, if clicked, will help you resolve the problem and help you track the package.
READ: Protect Yourself From Gift Card Scams: A Cautionary Tale
Whatever you do, don't click the link! Scammers are after your personal information and can trick you into sharing usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, and even credit card details.
The Post Office will never send unsolicited text messages, and it will not include links. Even if you're expecting a package, go to the official USPS website and track your package directly from there.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message
Be extremely careful with unexpected messages; never give out your personal information. If you get a suspicious text message, you can report it to the United States Postal Service. Forward the message to 7726 or email spam@uspis.gov.
Think before you click, and never give out personal information to anyone.
Sources: USPS Postal Inspection Service | USPS Postal Bulletin | Houston Chronicle | Iris Identity Protection
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Gallery Credit: Annalise Mantz
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