Got a text message out of the blue from a major retailer about a survey? Or from someone claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) about an unclaimed package? Don’t click on it, as it could be a scam, experts warn.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), that unexpected text from the Postal Service, or major retailers such as Costco or The Home Depot, regarding an unclaimed package or asking you to complete a survey to claim a freebie, is NOT from them. It’s a scam.
The FTC has seen a rise in reports from people getting text messages that look like they’re from well-known names such as USPS, Costco, or The Home Depot, among others. But they’re impersonators. The details can vary, but the scammers have one goal: to get your money and your personal information.
The messages sometimes ask you to confirm your debt card details so you can get an undelivered package. Or they say you have a chance to win a free gift card or power tool by clicking on the link and answering some questions. Don’t do it.
If you click on those links and submit card information, you could find unauthorized charges posted to your account.
Protect yourself:
- Don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts. If you think it’s legit, contact the company via their website or a phone number to verify it’s real. Don’t use the information in the text message.
- Don’t pay to get a package redelivered. The real USPS won’t contact you unexpectedly about a delivery unless you submitted a request first and give a tracking number. And they won’t demand payment to redeliver a package.
For more information on scams, visit ftc.gov. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.