This post may contain affiliate links. If a product or service is purchased using a link(s) in the post below a small commission may be earned.
Image created using ImageFX by Google
Any info cited for this post was found via a general online search.
Granted USPS text scams have been around for a while. But they tend to crop up more during this time of year.
I’ve seen two texts this week. One was sent to me and the other was sent to my mom.
The first text message
The first text message was sent to my Mom. The message was the typical package scam text.
It stated that the mailing address was insufficient. It wanted you to click a to confirm your info.
The text was sent from the following number: 712-509-9324
The text message
The message was very typical and requested you click on a link to confirm your mailing address. This would be a Smishing scam because it’s a text message.
USPS: Your parcel is waiting at our warehouse following two delivery attempts due to missing address information. Kindly confirm your address at this link: https://cutt.ly/MeFXQEhW?AzA=bQ5fLKtNxZ within 48 hours. After updating, delivery will be arranged within a day. Here’s to a day filled with peace and smiles from United States Mail!
The second text message
This message was similar to the first because it also claimed to be USPS. But the phone number was different.
This was the message I was sent.
The number was the following: +221 76 175 45 91
The message
This text was similar to the one my mom was sent but it was worded a bit differently.
USPS: Your package is waiting at our facility as we attempted delivery twice, but the address details were insufficient. Kindly update your information here: https://cutt.ly/keF9kAL0?LQE=2x2UWVacpp within 48 hours to prevent a return. Once we receive the update, we’ll make a delivery attempt within 24 hours. Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy from the Postal Service!
The funny thing about these texts
The funny thing about these texts is that they both have rather funny ending lines. They are trying to convey a more human aspect.
The first text’s closing line is: Here’s to a day filled with peace and smiles from United States Mail!
The second text’s closing line is: Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy from the Postal Service!
I understand that the scammers want to convey a human aspect to the United States Postal Service but clearly, they overdid it. It’s also very clear that they are not located in the United States.
The phone numbers
The 712-509-9324 wasn’t located doing a Google search but I did find out that 712 is an area code used in Western Iowa. So I assume this was auto-generated to look like a valid number.
The second number +221 76 175 45 91 is a different story. I wasn’t able to find the exact number using Google. But I did find out that +221 is the country code for Senegal Africa.
USPS does text you now but…
USPS does text you now but you have to allow it when you are signed up for Informed delivery. You are sent notices that your packages will arrive but they will be simple texts with the package tracking number along with the delivery date.
I shared about this in this video.
What does the scam do?
This scam as I mentioned is a Smishing scam. The scammer hopes that the receiver will click the link and fill in the form. They probably ask for your name, address, and any other key info.
They may also ask for payment info as well.
Experian has a good article sharing about Phishing scams as well as other scams.
Things to remember
Here are a few things to remember:
- USPS won’t text you unless you have Informed Delivery and added your phone number for texts
- USPS never sends you links to reschedule or confirm your shipping address.
- USPS always includes the package tracking number in texts but no links to follow.
- Think twice before clicking links.
You can always sign up for Informed Delivery to keep track of your upcoming mail delivery. You are sent an email or text about your daily mail. This may help clear up any confusion during the holiday season.
All we can do is get the word out to remind friends and loved ones of these scams so no one falls victim to them.
