USPS warning customers of tracking text scams

Posted on August 8, 2024

*^{Scammers may disguise themselves as a government agency or bank to make themselves look legitimate. (WJBC File Photo)}*

By WMBD-TV

CENTRAL ILLINOIS – The United States Postal Service (USPS) is warning customers of a scam that can lead to personal or financial information being stolen.

It’s called “smishing”, a form of phishing that involves a text message or a phone number. Victims usually receive a message asking them to click a link, luring them into giving up personal or financial information.

Scammers may disguise themselves as a government agency or bank to make themselves look legitimate.

Shari Rowe with the USPS’ Postal Inspection Service said to “never click the link”, as USPS uses 5-digit codes to receive messages to and from cell phones.

The postal service will also not initiate text messages without the customer first requesting a tracking number, a link will not be sent.

For more information, USPS published an article in June about the same subject. It has more information about how to report a suspicious message and what more to look out for.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].

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