As the holiday season approaches, residents across the Midwest are facing an increased threat from smishing scams, where fraudsters impersonate the United States Postal Service (USPS) to steal personal information. These scams involve unsolicited text messages claiming to be from USPS, often including a suspicious web link that urges recipients to take immediate action regarding a package delivery.
USPS warns that these fraudulent messages are part of a phishing strategy known as smishing. The goal is to trick recipients into disclosing sensitive details, such as Social Security numbers, credit card information, or online account passwords. Scammers frequently pose as legitimate organizations to exploit the rush and heightened activity typical of the holiday season.
With package deliveries on the rise during this time of year, USPS urges Midwest residents to exercise caution. To protect themselves, individuals should avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts and instead verify any claims by visiting USPS.com directly. Suspicious messages can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 or emailing spam@uspis.gov.
USPS reminds customers that they never send unrequested tracking links or ask for personal information via text. By staying vigilant and following these precautions, Midwest residents can help safeguard their information during the busy holiday season. For additional tips, visit the USPS fraud prevention page.
