GREENSBORO, N.C. — You expect stamps, and directions on how to mail something, but the next time you go to the Post Office, you’ll probably also see a warning about fake texts.
The warnings are taped up at each counter. It shows an example of a fake delivery text you might get the claims it is from the USPS, but it’s not.
“I'm Andrea Avery, United States Postal Inspector. Text messages claiming to be from the United States Postal Service have been pinging cellphones across the country asking recipients to claim a package, but it's a scam,” said a video posted on the USPIS site.
Fake texts are called Smishing, which is a combo of two words, SMS (short message service) that's your text and Phishing. which means the fake practice of sending emails or messages purporting to be from reputable companies to influence individuals to reveal personal information.
“If you click on the link you invite the scammer into your life. Once you do it, it goes directly to the scammers they may steal your identity or bank account details, and your phone or system could be filled with malware,” said the video posted on the USPIS site.
You can find out what packages or bills or whatever are being delivered to you. The Post Office has a free service called Informed Delivery. There are three easy steps to sign up for this.
With this free service, you get pictures of what is being delivered and sent to you by email. You can access this on your phone or computer and see what is coming to your mailbox.
There are several ways to track a package you're expecting or get redelivered.