The Gift of Awareness: Spotting Holiday Text Scams

Have you ever received a text from an unknown number claiming to be UPS, FedEx, USPS, or DHL? These texts often claim to be major carriers, notifying you that your package is on hold, your parcel was damaged, or the label contains incomplete information. They will then prompt you to click a link where you can “resolve the issue” or “complete the missing information.” Hopefully, we don’t have to tell you, but we’re going to say it anyway, do not click that link! These links are more often than not a text scam to place viruses on your devices or obtain personal information that can lead to identity theft.

So why does this type of text scam tend to ramp up around the holiday season? Online shopping surges more at this time of year than any other as we are buying gifts for the holidays. Depending on which carriers are delivering your packages you will most likely get confirmation or delivery notification texts. This means a scammer’s text may not set off any alarm bells. You may be worn thin trying to make sure everyone’s gifts are delivered in time for Christmas and scammers know this is a prime opportunity to prey on you and your loved ones.

Warning signs of a text scam may include:

• Unfamiliar sender
• Grammatical errors or vague language
• Links that lead to unknown, suspicious, or unsecured websites.

To protect yourself be sure to never click suspicious links or interact in any way with any suspicious texts. Check the delivery status of packages you have ordered directly through an official retailer’s or carrier’s app/website. Enable security features like two-factor authentication on any accounts with financial information. If you receive a suspicious text immediately report it to your cell provider, block the number, or delete the text without interacting with the message. If you accidentally click a suspicious link or interact with the message be sure to monitor your accounts closely for unusual activity and report it if necessary.

Scammers don’t rest so be vigilant to protect yourself and your finances this holiday season.