Across the nation, unsuspecting buyers are being pursued by USPS text message scams and Fraud USPS tracking numbers. The following information is essential.
Can USPS Tracking Numbers Be Illegal Activities?
Reed Hoskinson believed that the delay in the dispatch of his gardening equipment was due to a delivery issue. However, after weeks of unsuccessful parcel delivery, he resolved to resolve the situation independently.[*]
Reed initially attempted to establish communication with the seller. He sent numerous emails, but they were ultimately unsuccessful. Then, he submitted a resolution claim to PayPal. A tracking number was ultimately provided by the vendor, as PayPal contacted them as part of their investigation.
Reed experienced a sense of relief. He entertained the possibility that his supplies would eventually arrive. However, this was merely the commencement of a sophisticated fraud.
The tracking number provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) was for a package that had already been delivered to a separate location. Reed was perplexed and sought alternative methods to communicate with the vendor.
He discovered that the website was flagged as fraudulent by Google during his inquiry. Reed was ultimately able to retrieve his funds after weeks of correspondence with PayPal and the provision of this evidence.
Not everyone is as fortunate. Local news outlets have reported on this story; however, individuals across the United States have been susceptible to credit card fraud and identity theft as a result of USPS text scams and false tracking numbers.
A USPS Text Scam: What Is It?
In a USPS text scam, a malevolent party impersonating the US Postal Service sends texts under false pretences of being from them.
Claiming that you “missed” a delivery, scam texts from USPS provide a link to reschedule the delivery. However, clicking on the link could have disastrous results because it isn’t from the USPS.
Fortunately, there are some characteristics that all USPS delivery text scammers have in common, so you can learn how to spot them.
- Odd phone numbers: USPS text scams use personal 10-digit cell phone numbers, but SMS marketing messages usually originate from five-digit numbers.
- Insufficient knowledge: You’re probably wondering what could have happened if you missed a delivery that you weren’t anticipating. However, package tracking numbers aren’t usually provided by USPS text scammers. If so, they don’t correspond with the email you used for confirmation.
- An unofficial URL: Although links in USPS text scams resemble those on the official USPS website, they differ somewhat. Watch out for extra words, numbers, or dashes in URLs like “usps-parcel-tracking.com.” Scammers frequently use phone numbers, display names, and website URL spoofing to trick victims into thinking they are speaking with a reliable source.
- A “settlement” payment: USPS SMS scams occasionally make reference to a “settlement” amount. Small settlement amounts, ranging from $1 to $5, provide the impression of authenticity, but they are really a part of a bigger scheme to obtain bank data.
It’s simple to ignore these hints if you’re not paying close attention to your text messages. Scammers are aware that the USPS is a reliable company.
In addition, a lot of people have become active internet consumers lately. It doesn’t seem that rare to receive a notification regarding a missed delivery. Text scammers target a large enough number of people in order to deceive at least some willing targets.
When a USPS smishing link is clicked, what happens?
Smishing, an acronym for “SMS phishing,” is a type of text scam that targets USPS users. Phishers use phoney texts purporting to be the US Postal Service or another individual or organisation in order to obtain private data or disseminate malware. Links that are contained in smishing texts could be:
- phishing websites that are intended to steal data. You might be asked to “log in” to your USPS account via a link. That password and username can be taken by scammers and used to get access to other apps.
- downloads of malware by accident. You can be prompted to download a “USPS” app by these phishing scams. Although the software appears authentic at first, it actually installs spyware or malware on your phone. Scammers will be able to access your phone and possibly even sell the personal data that is saved on it, leaving you unable to use it.
- demands for money in order to release products. To “relinquish” your package, you can be required to pay a price. Scammers grab your financial information at the back end.
How Scammers Use Fraud USPS Tracking Numbers to Attack You
Suspicious text messages aren’t the only way that USPS scams operate. They also hold true for tracking numbers.
Consumers may track packages in real time by using USPS tracking numbers. They might also receive an approximate delivery date for the product.
Scammers take advantage of this procedure in order to obtain free goods, steal personal data, or gain access to people’s debit cards and bank accounts. Here are a few ways con artists deceive unwary victims by using fictitious shipment tracking numbers.
Delivery was done one week before you placed the order.
Mr. Hoskinson’s story, presented at the beginning of this piece, is an excellent example of tracking number fraud.
In many cases, threat actors set up fake websites to “sell” things that they never intend to ship. Scammers promote these websites on social media to lure users to buy.
When people buy things from the bogus store, they get a confirmation email with a USPS tracking number. However, the tracking number is for another order that has already been delivered.
Customers contact the seller, but emails and phone calls go unanswered, and scammers leave with money in their pockets.
What to Do:
1. Visit the USPS website and search for the tracking number. Confirm the delivery was:
- Made for the wrong spot.
- Completed with the incorrect things
- Made before you ever place an order.
2. Make an attempt to contact the seller. Often, this will not result in a response, but it will be used as evidence in future investigations.
3. Contact the payment processor, like PayPal or your credit card company. They are the most effective means of retrieving your payment.
4. Contact the Postal Inspection Service to report mail fraud. Law enforcement will look into your case and warn others about current scams.
Incorrect tracking quantity
Some con artists have discovered they are not even need to offer current operational tracking numbers. They just send an email seeming to be a normal order confirmation with a phoney number. Recipients never check the tracking number until they have not gotten a package—or a package containing the incorrect products.
What to do:
- Verify the tracking number on the USPS website cross-wise. Should your order not pull up, it is most likely fraud.
- To verify the malfunctioning tracking number, contact the USPS assistance desk.
- Get in touch with the payment processor—like PayPal. Once more, the easiest place to retrieve your money is the payment processor you used.
- To safeguard others and yourself, open a case with the Postal Inspection Service.
Incorrect USPS deliveries
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports that around the Christmas season, there is an increase in fraudulent delivery by FedEx, USPS, and Amazon. When someone places an online order, the USPS sends a confirmation email along with a tracking number. However, what they receive is quite different from what they requested when their package arrives.
After spending six feet on an artificial Christmas tree, one customer claimed to have “received a bottle brush Christmas tree no bigger than her hand.” When a BBB interviewee placed an order for a machine washer, all they got was “a yellow shirt not worth $2.”
These victims tried to get in touch with the sellers and, as you can anticipate, received no response.
What has to be completed
- Speak with the seller. Yet again, this is the beginning of any investigation; they most likely won’t reply.
- Speak to PayPal or the other payment processor. When given proof, they will reimburse clients because they are aware of these possible frauds.
- Start an investigation with the USPS. Provide the Post Office every opportunity to apprehend the offender by submitting all pertinent documentation.
If: You’ve Received a Scam USPS Tracking Number
- Links to tracking numbers seem suspicious. You can typically view the entire URL in text messages, which is a benefit. Links that are not affiliated with “USPS.com” are part of a fraud.
- The USPS interface does not display your tracking number. Since each tracking number is different, the one you were given in an email of confirmation should match the other one. It’s a fake number if it comes up in a search.
- When you placed your order, the delivery date was different. Real tracking numbers may be used in USPS scams. The problem is, those tracking numbers pertain to items that have already been fulfilled and delivered. Read the delivery details carefully and double-check tracking numbers on the USPS website.
- You get unsolicited follow-up messages or emails requesting excessive details. Packages should presumably already have your address on them. In the event that an item is delivered unsuccessfully or by USPS, you may be asked to select a new delivery time. They won’t enquire about your credit card number, address, or any other private information.
- Something extra is being demanded of you. Redelivery is free of charge for USPS. Links to tracking numbers that lead to a page requesting credit card or bank account details are fraudulent.
- You purchased things at steep discounts. Scammers set up fictitious online shops with things that are drastically reduced. You are falling victim to a scam if you don’t obtain a receipt or if you get an email address with a tracking number that can’t be found.
- The delivery you were supposed to receive never arrived. Check the tracking number on the USPS website if your package hasn’t arrived after more than a month. If the tracking number is invalid or doesn’t appear, you’ve been conned. Another sign of a phoney USPS tracking number is when tracking links direct you to dubious websites.
Notify USPS of the event if you think you have been the victim of a phishing operation. Additionally, submit a report at IdentityTheft.gov to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you unintentionally gave out any information.
Stop Believing Phallic USPS Tracking Numbers
Fake USPS tracking numbers are becoming more prevalent, but there are steps you can take to protect your USPS delivery and stay away from cons.
Purchase from reputable internet retailers
- Look for the address and phone number of the retailer when you are shopping online. Examine the Contact Us tab in the top menu or the website footer. Think of a missing contact form as a warning sign.
- Check for BBB reviews after that. It’s possible that irate clients have already reported illegal activities.
- Finally, examine the store’s prices closely. They most likely are if they look too good to be true. Be cautious of the dealer if similar brands charge twice or three times as much.
Check tracking numbers as soon as you obtain a thing.
- You should get an email with a tracking number for your things after you a buy something. Enter that tracking number right away into the USPS website.
- There should be a message like “Created label” to let you know that your order was accepted and is being shipped, even if your package isn’t ready yet.
Use the Informed Delivery service from the USPS.
- You can see a preview of your mail and keep track of deliveries with this tool. USPS Informed Delivery lets you know when your mail is on its way and shows you pictures of what it looks like.
- You will pay more attention to USPS alerts and spot any fake USPS text scams earlier if you know what’s coming.
Sign up for Electronic Signature Online® from the USPS.
- As an extra safety measure, think about using the USPS Electronic Signature service. You can electronically sign for some kinds of mail when you sign up for this service.
- Carriers and clerks can’t send insured items worth more than $500 without your signature.
Stop being spam texts
- Delete and stop a text message right away if it looks like a scam. You should also keep the software on your phone up to date so that it has the best spam protection.
- Another choice is Aura’s spam text security. Once this is turned on, it can screen out texts that you don’t want, save them in a junk folder, and even label as hazardous URLs that are in the text.
Use detailed delivery guidelines.
You can direct where shipments are delivered by using USPS Delivery Instructions. If you do this in advance, packages will be left at the address you choose. You should be extremely vigilant for any unexpected emails, texts, or deliveries.
Report any missing mail.
- Make a request for missing mail if you ordered something and it never arrived. You will receive an email confirmation from USPS along with sporadic search updates.
- In order for you to file insurance claims if necessary, USPS will also let you know whether a shipment is fraudulent or never was.
Identify USPS texting frauds
Notifying the authorities about a scam serves to safeguard both you and other people. The USPS crew will look for and stop the person(s) who are sending out the phoney tracking numbers or SMS. Here are some USPS security FAQs, or you can email spam@uspis.gov.
Smishing Only Works While You Respond
Scammers using false USPS tracking numbers and text messages are preying on gullible consumers nationwide, depriving them of their privacy, time, money, and sense of security.
Fortunately, you can avoid frauds by understanding how they operate. Participate with reputable online retailers, register for USPS services, and keep an eye out for warning indicators of fraud.
Regarding deliveries, USPS doesn’t send out unwanted emails or texts. To be sure, they don’t ask for money or personal information in order to release items.
To receive tracking updates, customers must register online or send a text message to USPS. The Postal Service will never include URLs in its responses either.
But personal identity scams don’t just target the USPS. There are always going to be new attack vectors, so you need to be ready. Are you wondering how to safeguard your identity and sensitive data?
Think about the top-rated digital security solution from Aura. Compared to other providers, Aura can detect fraudulent activity in your bank, credit, and investment accounts up to four times faster. Aura alerts you almost instantly if it notices any unusual activities.
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Note from the editor: You can learn more about internet safety by reading our articles, which contain informative content. Although Aura’s services might not cover every kind of crime, fraud, or threat we describe in our articles, they might include aspects that we talk about in-depth. For further details, please consult our Terms during setup or enrolment. Recall that nobody is able to stop every instance of cybercrime or identity theft.
