ROCKVILLE, Md. — The holiday shopping season is in full swing. With just a handful of shopping days left, you may be rushing around to make sure you grab the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Unfortunately, this is a time when scammers can strike. Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection has put out a warning to residents to be aware of text message (also known as SMS phishing or smshing) scams. Here's what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself.
How the scam works:
Victims receive a text message that appears to be from USPS or another mail carrier. The message might claim there is an issue with a package and include a link to “resolve” the problem. These links direct users to fraudulent websites designed to trick recipients into providing sensitive details. Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations to exploit consumer trust and create a deceptive sense of urgency.
An example of scam texts can be seen below:
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. If you receive a message about a delivery, verify the issue directly with the shipping company’s official website or customer service.
- Be cautious with personal information. Legitimate companies will never ask for personal or financial information via text or email.
- Check your order status independently. If you think the message might relate to something you ordered, visit the retailer’s website directly to check your order and delivery status.
- Report and delete. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier. Notify the shipping company about the fraudulent message and delete the text from your phone.
“Scammers are preying on consumers because of the rise in package deliveries, especially during the holidays,” said OCP Director Eric Friedman. “Always verify any claims directly with the delivery service to avoid falling victim to these schemes.”