If you’ve ever been ghosted by a package, this scam might hit close to home — only this time, the ghost is after your wallet, not your Amazon order.
In this publication, we're uncovering a sneaky scam that’s landing right in people’s text messages — and fooling folks by the thousands. Let’s dive right in.
Scammers are sending fake texts that claim your toll fees are overdue or a package can’t be delivered — but what they really want is your personal and payment info.
How It Works:
These scam messages are designed to look official, often spoofing the names and logos of well-known agencies like USPS, FedEx, or toll road authorities. The message usually includes a sense of urgency:
“The USPS package arrived at the warehouse but could not be delivered due to incomplete address information.”
“You have an unpaid toll fee. Pay now to avoid penalty.”
They include a link that leads to a phishing site, where you're asked to enter sensitive information — like your name, address, credit card number, or even your Social Security number.
What happens next? Your data is harvested for identity theft or your bank account is drained faster than you can say "Where’s my package?"
Who’s Targeted:
Scammers cast a wide net — anyone with a smartphone is a potential victim. But they especially rely on:
- People who regularly shop online or travel
- Busy individuals who click before thinking
- Older adults less familiar with phishing tactics
Real-Life Example:
There’s no shortage of victims. One recipient clicked a link from what appeared to be “USPS” claiming her package was undeliverable. The site asked for a $3 “re-delivery fee.” It seemed harmless — until hundreds of dollars in unauthorized charges appeared on her credit card the next day.
Why You Should Care:
This scam is alarmingly common, and the messages look legit. All it takes is one click, and you could be handing over your identity or your life savings to a fraudster.
It’s not just annoying — it’s dangerous. And it could happen to you, your parents, your kids, or your friends.
Actionable Steps:
- Never click links in unsolicited texts claiming to be from USPS, FedEx, toll services, etc.
- Manually visit official websites if you’re concerned — type the address yourself, don’t rely on links.
- Report spam texts to your mobile carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
- Check with the actual organization directly before taking action.
- Keep your phone updated to help detect and block known phishing attempts.
Quick Tips & Updates
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? The real USPS never sends delivery notifications via text unless you specifically sign up for them.
Pro Tip: If a message pressures you to “act now” or pay a small fee, it’s likely a scam — slow down and verify.
Also, be sure to let friends and family know about this growing scam trend — especially those who might be more vulnerable to tech tricks.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords & Definitions
- Phishing: A scam where criminals pretend to be trusted organizations to trick people into revealing personal information.
- Spoofing: When a scammer disguises a message or website to look like it's from a legitimate source.
- Smishing: Phishing that occurs through SMS text messages.
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