Receiving fake delivery texts, often referred to as "smishing," is a common tactic used by scammers to steal personal information. These fraudulent messages impersonate legitimate delivery services, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx, and may contain links or requests for personal details. To safeguard your personal information and block these deceptive texts, consider the following steps:
1. Enable Built-in Spam Filters on Your Phone
For iPhone Users:
- Filter Unknown Senders: Navigate to Settings > Messages and toggle on Filter Unknown Senders. This feature separates messages from unknown contacts into a separate tab, reducing the risk of interacting with potential spam. (guidingtech.com)
For Android Users:
- Block Unknown Numbers: Open the Messages app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, then Spam Protection, and enable Enable Spam Protection. This will help identify and filter out suspected spam messages. (mcafee.com)
2. Report Suspicious Messages to Your Carrier
Forward any suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM). This service, supported by major U.S. carriers, helps identify and block similar messages in the future. (consumer.ftc.gov)
3. Utilize Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Protection
Consider installing reputable third-party apps designed to block spam and scam messages. These apps often provide real-time protection and can identify and block fraudulent texts more effectively. Robokiller, for example, has over 11 million downloads on Apple's App Store and offers robust spam filtering capabilities. (cbsnews.com)
4. Be Cautious with Unsolicited Links and Requests
Avoid clicking on links or providing personal information in unsolicited messages. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information via text. Always verify the authenticity of such messages by contacting the company directly through official channels. (consumer.ftc.gov)
5. Stay Informed About Common Scams
Educate yourself about common smishing tactics. For instance, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has warned about scams involving fake package delivery notifications. They emphasize that USPS only sends text messages and emails to customers who have initiated a tracking request and that these messages will not contain links. (time.com)
6. Report Scams to Authorities
If you receive a fraudulent message, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track and combat such scams. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fake delivery texts and other smishing scams. Remaining vigilant and proactive is key to protecting your personal information in the digital age.
Highlights:
- Beware of Fake USPS Text Messages, Published on Tuesday, June 11
- "Don't click the link": How to avoid package delivery text scams, Published on Tuesday, December 10
- Authorities Issue Warnings Over Multistate DMV Scam Texts. Here's What to Look Out For, Published on Sunday, June 01
