How to Protect Yourself from Delivery Scam Texts

Delivery scam texts, often referred to as "robotexts," are fraudulent messages that impersonate legitimate delivery services to steal personal information or install malware on your device. These scams have become increasingly prevalent, with over 13 billion robotexts sent to Americans in April 2023 alone. (sorensen.house.gov) To protect yourself, consider the following strategies:

What Are Delivery Scam Texts?

Delivery scam texts are fraudulent messages that mimic legitimate delivery notifications, aiming to deceive recipients into providing personal information or clicking malicious links. They often claim issues with package deliveries, prompting recipients to click on links or provide sensitive data. (consumer.ftc.gov)

How Can I Recognize a Scam Text?

Scam texts often exhibit certain characteristics:

Urgent Language: Messages that create a sense of urgency, such as "Immediate action required" or "Your package is on hold."
Suspicious Links: Unfamiliar or misspelled URLs that don't correspond to known delivery services.
Unsolicited Requests: Asking for personal information like Social Security numbers or credit card details.
Generic Greetings: Lack of personalization, using phrases like "Dear Customer."

What Steps Can I Take to Block Scam Texts?

1. Utilize Built-in Phone Features:

iPhone: Go to Settings > Messages and enable "Filter Unknown Senders" to separate messages from unknown contacts. (tomsguide.com)
Android: Open the Messages app, tap the three-dot menu, select "Settings," then "Spam Protection," and enable "Enable Spam Protection." (techradar.com)

2. Activate Carrier Services:

Many carriers offer spam-blocking services:

AT&T: AT&T Call Protect blocks scam calls and warns of suspected spam.
Verizon: Verizon Call Filter detects and blocks spam calls and texts.
T-Mobile: T-Mobile Scam Shield uses AI to recognize and block fraudulent messages. (mcafee.com)

3. Install Third-Party Apps:

Applications like Robokiller, Nomorobo, and TextKiller can help identify and block spam texts. Robokiller, for instance, has over 11 million downloads on Apple's App Store. (cbsnews.com)

How Can I Report Scam Texts?

Reporting scam texts helps authorities take action against scammers:

Forward to 7726 (SPAM): Send the suspicious message to 7726, which helps carriers identify and block the sender. (legalclarity.org)
Report to the FTC: File a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (consumer.ftc.gov)

What Are the Legal Protections Against Scam Texts?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented rules to combat scam texts:

Blocking Scam Texts: Carriers are required to block texts from numbers likely to be illegal. (9to5mac.com)
One-to-One Consent Rule: Telemarketers must obtain consent from each seller or brand before sending texts or calls. (mcafee.com)

How Can I Protect Myself from Future Scam Texts?

Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal details unless you're certain of the recipient's legitimacy.
Regularly Update Security Settings: Keep your device's software and security features up to date.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and share knowledge with others.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to delivery scam texts and enhance your overall digital security.