California Attorney General Rob Bonta today urged Californians to beware of package delivery text message scams. These messages often state an issue with your delivery and include a link to “resolve” the problem.
Package delivery scams can occur more frequently over the gift-giving season when holiday shopping is in full swing.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Be Suspicious of Unexpected Messages
Ignore unsolicited text messages, emails, or phone calls claiming issues with a package delivery.
Don’t Click the Link!
Never click on links from unknown senders or emails claiming to be from a delivery company. Instead, go to the official carrier website and enter your tracking number directly.
Be Skeptical of Payment Requests
Delivery companies do not ask for payment to release a package or correct a delivery error. Any such request is a scam.
Look for Red Flags
Scammers often use words like “urgent action required” to pressure you into clicking a link. Be cautious if the message lacks personalization (e.g., “Dear Customer”) or contains spelling or grammar errors.
Enable Package Alerts
Sign up for alerts from trusted carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS. These alerts will notify you of package updates directly from the source.
Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, especially after suspecting a scam.
Report Suspicious Messages to the FCC and FBI
If you receive a suspicious message you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission here and the Federal Bureau of Investigation here.
Report Text Scam Messages to Your Wireless Provider
If you believe you’ve received a text message scam, you can report it to your wireless provider, including by forwarding them to the number 7726 or “SPAM”.
