With package deliveries hot and heavy as we approach Christmas day, there has been a rise of a new scam technique that tries to steal your identity or install malware on your smartphone or computer. Some cybersecurity observers point out that there has been an over 440% increase in shipping-related phishing emails over the past month!
Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning about text messages being sent to consumers that contain a fake shipment tracking code allegedly from one of the major delivery companies such as UPS, FEDEX, or the US Post Office. The text message will have a link to update delivery preferences, or to solve some sort of problem with the delivery.
Other reporting talks about emails, supposedly from one of the major delivery companies, that claim there is a “delivery issue” or urge users to “track your shipment.” Some of the emails have been reported as claiming an additional payment needs to be made for the delivery to be carried out. Then there is a link to a web page that collects your name, address, and credit card information. In some cases, the link takes you to a survey to take.
These are phishing attempts to collect your personal information.
If you receive an email or text like this, stop and think twice.
Do not click on any links. If you think you might need to act based on this email/text, do not click on the link, but go to the company’s website separately through your browser and investigate. Do not call the company from the phone number in the email/text. Look up the phone number separately with a web search.
Be suspicious of any email/text that tells you that you need to act right away, or that you need to pay extra for delivery.
Federal Trade Commission:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/text-message-about-your-fedex-package-really-scam
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
ZDNET:
No comments:
Post a Comment